Snuffbox 1757 - 1758

This snuffbox was crafted by Jean Formey, likely in the mid-18th century, from gold and enamel. Notice the way the gold framework gives structure to the object, and how it is itself decorated, with a tooled texture. This would have been a painstaking process involving specialized tools and a high level of skill. But the real showstopper here is the enamel work. Think about what it takes to achieve this level of painterly detail. Each color requires a separate firing in the kiln, with the artist building up the image layer by layer. These scenes, depicting abundant fruit, would have appealed to wealthy consumers, eager to display their refined taste and access to luxury goods. The history of snuffboxes like this one reflects a moment when craft, commerce, and courtly life were intimately linked. Appreciating the artistry involved challenges the traditional separation of decorative arts from fine art, prompting us to consider the social context that gives such objects their enduring appeal.