Snuffbox with scene of peasants picnicking on a riverbank near a village 1785 - 1799

This oval snuffbox, made in Switzerland between 1785 and 1799, features a charming miniature scene on its lid depicting peasants picnicking on a riverbank near a village. The box itself is crafted with intricate details, including a black enamel base adorned with gold stars and a delicate, pearl-like trim encircling the lid. Such snuffboxes were popular throughout the 18th century, serving as both practical containers for powdered tobacco and fashionable accessories. This particular piece, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship of the era, capturing the idyllic rural life of the Swiss countryside in miniature.