Snuffbox with Scene of St. Michael Triumphing Over the Devil
early 18th century
Medium
Silver-plated brass
Dimensions
5.1 × 3.2 cm (2 × 1 1/4 in.)
Classification
snuff box
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
234126
Art Historical Context
This exquisite snuffbox, crafted in the early 18th century from silver-plated brass, measures just 5.1 × 3.2 cm, making it a perfect pocket-sized luxury for Europe's elite. Snuffboxes like this one were essential accessories for carrying finely ground tobacco snuff, a fashionable indulgence among aristocrats that symbolized refinement and social status. Produced during the height of the Baroque era, such objects blended functionality with artistry, often featuring intricate decorations on their lids to delight the owner during intimate moments of use. The lid depicts a dynamic scene of St. Mi...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...