Box 1785 - 1815

Crafted by Nicolas François Foulon, sometime in the 17th century, this metal box presents us with an intriguing play of forms. Its dark surface is alive with dense, swirling vegetal ornamentation. Note how the artist uses symmetry and repetition. The shape of the box itself—an elongated octagon with rounded sides—is echoed in the panels of decoration on the lid. Within these panels, a complex filigree of leaves and flowers creates a textural contrast with the smoother background. The central medallion draws our eye, its circular form a focal point amidst the angular geometry of the box. This object transcends mere functionality; it becomes an exercise in visual language. The intricate details and balanced composition suggest a deeper engagement with ideas of order and beauty. The box invites us to contemplate the interplay between structure and ornamentation, and the ways in which art objects can embody complex cultural meanings.