Snuffbox

Jean Frémin

1755–56

Snuffbox by Jean Frémin

Medium

Gold

Dimensions

H. 3.8 cm, L. 9.7 cm, D. 5.9 cm

Classification

Snuffboxes

Department

Robert Lehman Collection

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Robert Lehman Collection, 1975

Accession Number

1975.1.1537

Tags

Flowers

Art Historical Context

This exquisite gold snuffbox, crafted by renowned Parisian goldsmith Jean Frémin 1755 and 1756, exemplifies the opulent world of 18th-century luxury goods. Measuring a compact 3.8 cm high, 9.7 cm long, and 5.9 cm deep, it designed to hold finely ground tobacco snuff—a fashionable indulgence among Europe's aristocracy during the Rococo era under Louis XV. Adorned with delicate floral motifs, as suggested by its tags, the box reflects the period's love for playful, nature-inspired ornamentation. Frémin, a master of the goldsmith's art, employed intricate techniques such as chasing and possibly ...

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