Artwork Page for Snuff Box (Tabatière)

Details / Information for Snuff Box (Tabatière)

Snuff Box (Tabatière)

1777–78
fabricated by

Charles Le Bastier

(French)
Culture
France, 18th century
Medium
gold and enamel
Measurements
Overall: 2 x 3.4 cm (13/16 x 1 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Edward B. Greene 1957.406
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

Not only did the design of a snuff box carry important social and political implications, proper snuff taking etiquette, outlined in 18th-century publications, also communicated status.

Description

This box’s black and white design imitates a rare type of agate patterned with black veins that look like the branches of a tree or aquatic plant. Enamel that simulated agate was popular around 1775–80, evoking an 18th-century French interest in natural curiosities, mineralogy, and botany. Charles Le Bastier himself made at least seven boxes using this motif between 1775 and 1779.
This oval gold and enamel snuff box features light pink panels with dark purple, moss-like branch patterns. On the lid, a central pink oval is framed by a gold-bordered red band studded with white enamel dots. Similar pink panels encircle the sides, separated by red vertical rectangles with gold floral motifs. Matching dotted red bands line the top and bottom edges, highlighting the polished gold frames.

Snuff Box (Tabatière)

1777–78

Charles Le Bastier

(French)
France, 18th century

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