Souvenir 1770 - 1771

Louis Marie Sicardi made this souvenir box in France in the late eighteenth century, a time of great social and political upheaval. The box is made of gold and enamel, and it features a portrait of a woman in fashionable dress. Note how the image creates meaning through the use of visual codes of wealth and status, such as the gold frame and the woman's elaborate hairstyle and dress, making it clear that she is a member of the French aristocracy. In eighteenth-century France, the aristocracy enjoyed a privileged position in society, but this privilege was increasingly challenged by the Enlightenment ideas about equality and individual rights. The French Revolution, which began in 1789, marked the end of the aristocracy's dominance. This box then, serves as a reminder of the values and aesthetics of a bygone era. To understand the box better, we can consult historical sources such as fashion plates, portraits, and social histories of eighteenth-century France. By examining these resources, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the social and cultural context in which the box was made.