Snuffbox with portrait of Louis XVI (1754–1793), King of France 1785 - 1795

This snuffbox with a portrait of Louis XVI was created by P.M.C. in the late 18th century. Its octagonal form, with meticulously patterned surfaces, reflects the period's preoccupation with order and refinement. Notice how the lid is dominated by a miniature portrait of King Louis XVI set within an ornate, circular frame. This portrait is not merely decorative; it's a deliberate assertion of power and identity. The box itself, with its geometric patterns and precise detailing, is a study in controlled elegance. The parallel lines and circles, which seem to ripple across the surface, create a sense of movement beneath the rigid structure, suggesting a tension between surface ornamentation and underlying form. This tension mirrors the socio-political climate of the time. The king’s portrait and its placement on a personal item invites questions about representation, power, and the individual within a structured society. The snuffbox, therefore, becomes a site where personal identity and political authority intersect. Its form is a reflection of broader cultural and philosophical discourses.