Snuffbox 1754 - 1755

This snuffbox was crafted by Jean Ducrollay, a Parisian goldsmith, in the mid-18th century. During this period, taking snuff was more than a habit; it was a social ritual deeply entwined with identity, status, and gender. Consider the cultural performance embedded in the act of taking snuff. The elaborate gestures, the ornate boxes, and the sharing of pinches created a stage for social interaction and self-expression. For women, in particular, snuff-taking offered a way to assert agency and participate in intellectual circles, challenging traditional gender roles. The snuffbox, adorned with delicate floral motifs, also speaks to the era’s fascination with nature and beauty, yet it also conceals the less savory aspects of tobacco use. This object invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between luxury, addiction, and social identity. It is a reminder that even the most exquisite objects can be implicated in practices that are both pleasurable and problematic.