Snuffbox with portrait of Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria (1738–89) 1765 - 1775

This is a porcelain snuffbox, made around the mid-18th century at the Fürstenberg Porcelain Manufactory. It's decorated with delicate roses and a central portrait of Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria. Porcelain itself was a luxury material, developed through intensive experimentation into the right mix of clay and firing conditions. The manufactory, in turn, was a kind of factory, where workers specialized in particular stages of the production process. Some formed the clay, others applied the decoration, and still others oversaw the firing in kilns. The snuffbox represents an interesting blend of art and industry. Its meticulous detailing shows a high degree of skill, yet it was produced in multiples, likely for an aristocratic clientele with discerning tastes. The decoration, including the portrait and floral motifs, were carefully painted by hand, and the gilt edging adds to the overall opulence. This object provides a glimpse into the world of elite consumption in the 1700s, where even everyday items were elevated to the level of art.