Snuffers 1754

Editor: This elegant object is titled "Snuffers," made by Vicente Gavilanis in 1754. Crafted from silver, it’s currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I find the intricate detail remarkable. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Given the era and the silver medium, it points to a very specific social context of consumption. Consider the elaborate Rococo style: it signifies a level of affluence and the value placed on decorative arts, practically dictating a demand for highly crafted pieces even for mundane activities. Where did this silver come from and what was its value? Editor: That makes me consider the labour involved in mining and refining the silver, the silversmithing techniques used to achieve such detailed craftsmanship... Did its intended function also elevate the act of snuffing a candle to something ceremonial? Curator: Precisely. The "Snuffers" challenges any clear-cut boundary between art and craft. The value wasn't just functional, it was also aspirational. We are talking about skilled labor employed for embellishing everyday life, for people wealthy enough to participate in this material culture. Do you see an analogy with some present-day commodities? Editor: Now that you mention it, similar levels of craftsmanship are often embedded in the modern luxury goods. Thinking about the Snuffers in terms of production, labor, and value gives me a whole new appreciation for its place in the art world. Curator: It reveals much about the economics and taste of the era, showing how seemingly simple objects carry complex social narratives. That object epitomizes luxury consumption.