Snuffbox 1758 - 1759

This is Charles Le Bastier's snuffbox, an intimate object from the 18th century. Crafted from gold, its delicate floral designs and compact size speak to the rituals of the aristocracy. But let's consider the historical context of this gilded object. During this period, snuff, or powdered tobacco, was more than a habit; it was a social performance. The rituals surrounding its use—the ornate boxes, the gestures, the sharing among acquaintances—reflected a complex code of status and sociability. Who had access to these precious commodities? The gold of this box belies the exploitative labor practices of the time. It conceals the lives of those who were excluded from this theatre of wealth and privilege. This snuffbox, therefore, is both a beautiful object and a poignant reminder of the inequalities that underwrite its existence. It invites us to reflect on the stories objects can tell about power, access, and the human cost of luxury.