Snuifdoos van goud, ovaal, met op het deksel een herdersscène in émail, op de wanden spelende putti c. 1758 - 1759

This oval gold snuffbox, made by Jean Ducrollay, features delicate enamel work depicting pastoral scenes. The box's structure is defined by its symmetry and the contrast between the opulence of the gold and the soft, muted tones of the enamel paintings. The lid presents a serene herders' scene, while the walls are adorned with playing putti, creating a sense of continuous, harmonious narrative around the object. Ducrollay employs a formal arrangement of figures within a landscape setting, reflecting the Rococo period's fascination with idyllic and playful themes. The artwork operates on a semiotic level, where visual elements such as cherubic figures and lush landscapes act as signs that evoke classical ideals of beauty, leisure, and innocence. This snuffbox not only serves a functional purpose but also embodies cultural values and artistic conventions of its time, inviting viewers to engage with its symbolic richness. Its lasting appeal lies in its exquisite craftsmanship and the enduring power of its visual language.