Snuffbox 1745 - 1746

This snuffbox was crafted in France by Antoine Daroux in the eighteenth century out of gold, silver and mother-of-pearl. Snuff, or ground tobacco, became enormously popular in Europe from the 17th century, a habit imported from the Americas. Consequently, containers for snuff became luxury items, evolving into statements of wealth and taste. We see here the epitome of Rococo style. The sinuous curves and floral motifs were highly fashionable amongst the aristocracy. These aesthetic preferences emerged from the court of Louis XV as a rejection of the more formal and rigid style of his predecessor. The snuffbox therefore speaks volumes about the social rituals and class distinctions of the era. Appreciating its significance relies on understanding the historical context in which it was produced and consumed. Examining period sources, such as fashion plates and etiquette manuals, can reveal the values and customs associated with objects like this.