Vinaigrette 1835 - 1836

"Vinaigrette" is a small, silver, rectangular box, created by Taylor & Perry between 1835-1836 and currently housed at The Art Institute of Chicago. The box features an embossed image of a grand, Gothic-style structure, likely a castle or church, with detailed architectural elements. The silver box is ornamented with a decorative, embossed border, adding to its decorative appeal. These types of vinaigrettes were popular in the 19th century as fashionable accessories, often containing aromatic salts or vinegar to help ward off unpleasant smells. The intricately detailed depiction of the structure suggests it may have been inspired by a specific building or architectural style of the time.