Snuffbox
Unknown Artist
18th century (?)
Medium
Gold, diamonds
Dimensions
Overall: 1 3/8 × 2 3/4 × 2 in. (3.5 × 7 × 5.1 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Gold and Platinum
Culture
French, Paris
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Moses Lazarus Collection, Gift of Josephine and Sarah Lazarus, in memory of their father, 1888-95
Accession Number
95.14.6
Art Historical Context
This exquisite snuffbox, crafted in Paris during the 18th, exemplifies the opulent world of French decorative arts. Snuffboxes like this were essential accessories for the aristocracy, designed to hold finely ground tobacco snuff—a fashionable indulgence among Europe's elite. Its petite dimensions (just 1 3/8 × 2 3/4 × 2 inches) made it perfect for slipping into a pocket or adorning a waistcoat, blending practicality with lavish display. Fashioned from gold and encrusted with diamonds, box highlights the masterful metalworking techniques of Parisian goldsmiths. Gold's malleability allowed for...