Snuffbox 1734 - 1735

This gold and diamond snuffbox was made by Daniel Govaers, who died in 1766. Its glittering surface speaks volumes about the culture of luxury in the 18th century. The gold has been painstakingly worked to create intricate patterns, while the diamonds add light and a sense of exclusivity. Think of the labor involved: mining the gold, cutting and polishing the gems, then the goldsmith's work of shaping the box and setting the stones. Snuffboxes like these were status symbols, showing off their owner's wealth and taste. But they also represent a complex network of trade and labor, connecting the mines where the materials were sourced to the workshops where they were transformed into objects of desire. This piece invites us to consider the social and economic forces that shaped its creation, challenging any simple distinction between art and craft.