Snuffbox with scenes of putti at play 1770 - 1771

This snuffbox, adorned with scenes of putti at play, was crafted by Pierre François Drais in the 18th century. Snuffboxes were luxury items, used by both men and women as symbols of status and refinement. Consider the symbolism of the putti, or cherubic figures, which were a popular motif in art during this time. They often represented innocence, love, and divine presence, masking the aristocratic habits of snuff-taking. The scenes of leisure and play on the snuffbox offer a glimpse into the values and aspirations of the elite during the 1700s. They maintained traditional representations of wealth and luxury, while the embrace of snuff became another signifier of privilege. This object encapsulates the emotional and social landscape of its time, reflecting both the joys and the excesses of aristocratic life.