Snuffbox with six maritime scenes 1770 - 1771

Dominique-François Poitreau created this snuffbox with six maritime scenes in the 18th century. Snuffboxes were luxury items, used for holding and dispensing powdered tobacco, and their decoration often reflected the owner's interests and social standing. The maritime scenes here speak to the importance of naval power and trade in 18th-century France. France's economy and international relations were heavily reliant on maritime activity. Visually, the box presents both the grandeur of ships at sea and the dangers of maritime life, with shipwrecks alongside thriving vessels. These images reflect the era's fascination with the sea, but also the very real risks associated with it. In its own way, this snuffbox encapsulates the hopes, fears, and economic realities of a nation deeply connected to the sea. To understand this object fully, historians might consult maritime records, trade documents, and even personal correspondence to uncover the narratives of the individuals who sailed these ships.