Snuffbox 1757 - 1758

This is a silver snuffbox, probably made in Germany by Jean Georges sometime in the 18th century. As the name suggests, these boxes were designed to hold finely ground tobacco. The act of taking snuff became fashionable amongst European elites in the 1600s, and by the 1700s, owning a beautiful snuffbox became a status symbol. This particular box is made of solid silver, meticulously engraved with elaborate scenes. Look closely and you can see depictions of what looks like cherubic figures frolicking on water, and riding on fantastical sea creatures. The box gives us a glimpse into the economy of luxury goods in the 18th century. Consider the labour involved in the mining and refining of silver. Think, too, about the hand-skills involved in crafting such an intricate design. This beautiful object speaks volumes about the culture of consumption in Europe at the time, and invites us to consider the links between artistic expression, elite culture, and the wider world of labour and trade.