Snuiterschaar met ongelijke naar buiten gebogen en in vlakke knoppen eindigende poten waaraan ronde ogen. 1748

Curator: Look at this object! Reynier de Haan crafted this pair of snuffers around 1748. The primary material is silver. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the object's almost excessive elegance. For something whose purpose, let’s be frank, involves dealing with burnt wick, it has a surprising refinement of form. Curator: It's interesting you say that. During the Rococo period, even mundane objects were elevated through artistic design. Silver, as a material, was particularly favored for its ability to reflect light and embody the period’s aesthetics. Editor: Indeed. Look at how the lines flow! Notice the "unequal outward bent legs ending in flat buttons with round eyes." The description alone evokes a sense of delicacy. The form transcends mere functionality. Did these have any symbolism beyond luxury and class? Curator: That’s a fantastic question! Snuffers like these entered the scene with the rising culture of tobacco and the desire for more convenient portable light sources. The prevalence of snuffers points to social rituals, gentility, and tobacco culture’s ascendancy, with even waste handled artfully. Editor: The curve of the handle, the smooth sheen of the silver—it's a study in contrast. One has to wonder about the social implications, the power dynamics present. This extravagance would have been unavailable for the working class. Curator: Precisely. It reflects the inequalities embedded within 18th-century society. Objects like these often served to reinforce status. While the curves suggest harmony, its sheer opulence signifies exclusivity. Editor: The attention to form, even on this scale, is incredible! It is difficult to imagine a world in which mundane items around you would have such artistic design. A functional and precious object from the past prompts us to consider changing conceptions of luxury in culture and history. Curator: Reflecting on its place in the period gives a glimpse of this complex web. What appears decorative also performed socio-political work. Editor: Thank you. Your detailed interpretation allows me to see this piece in new historical terms. It has more depth now, so to speak.