Artwork Page for Snuff Box (Tabatière) with Portrait of Marie-Thérèse of Austria

Details / Information for Snuff Box (Tabatière) with Portrait of Marie-Thérèse of Austria

Snuff Box (Tabatière) with Portrait of Marie-Thérèse of Austria

miniature, c. 1676; box, 1775–76
miniature painted by

Jean Petitot

(Swiss, 1607–1691)
box by

Charles Le Bastier

(French)
Culture
France, 18th century
Medium
Gold, enamel, and miniature
Measurements
Overall: 2.3 x 4.5 cm (7/8 x 1 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Edward B. Greene 1957.405
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

This box resulted from the combined efforts of the popular portrait painter who served the court of French King Louis XIV, Jean Petitot, and master goldsmith Charles Le Bastier.

Description

In 18th-century France, ornately enameled boxes that held snuff—powdered tobacco—became a popular accessory in the French court. This box is decorated with a miniature portrait of Marie-Thérèse of Austria, the queen consort of French King Louis XIV. Their union was largely political. A year into their marriage Louis XIV took an official mistress, Madame Pompadour.
A horizontal oval snuff box features a lid with a central portrait of Marie-Thérèse of Austria in a blue dress, encircled by a white-dotted border. Translucent green enamel with diamond patterns covers the lid and sides. Chased gold bands with repetitive floral motifs frame the white and green sections. Around the body, vertical white enamel pillars with gold floral sprays divide the green panels into distinct, rhythmic sections.

Snuff Box (Tabatière) with Portrait of Marie-Thérèse of Austria

miniature, c. 1676; box, 1775–76

Jean Petitot, Charles Le Bastier

(Swiss, 1607–1691), (French)
France, 18th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork