Snuffbox with views at the château of Chanteloup 1748 - 1767

Pierre-François Delafons created this snuffbox with views of the Château de Chanteloup sometime in the 18th century. A snuffbox was a status symbol and a fashion statement, but it was also a political statement in its own right. This particular snuffbox depicts the Château de Chanteloup, an estate owned by the Duke of Choiseul. The Duke was a prominent figure in the court of Louis XV until he was exiled from court in 1770 and retired to his estate. This snuffbox immortalizes the Duke's estate as a symbol of resistance. It represents the politics of imagery because it defied the norms of the court and represented the Duke's power, wealth, and influence. To fully appreciate the snuffbox, researchers can consult primary sources from the period, such as letters, diaries, and court records, as well as secondary sources on the history of the French aristocracy and the court of Louis XV. This is a reminder that the meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context.