Snuffbox 1753 - 1754

This elegant snuffbox, crafted by Jean Ducrollay, presents a fascinating interplay of symbols. On its lid, stylized cranes take flight, emblems of longevity and marital bliss, while the sides depict other figures. Consider how the crane motif, deeply rooted in Eastern cultures, appears across diverse artistic traditions. In ancient Greece, the crane was associated with Apollo, the god of light and reason, while in ancient Egypt, the crane heralded the coming of dawn and the promise of a new day. These associations were all passed down through history, often shifting in meaning. The crane evokes a sense of hope, its form resonating with our collective memory of flight and freedom. It is this emotional and psychological dimension of the image that engages us on a deep, subconscious level. This symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.