Snuffbox with miniature depicting departure of Telemachus from Egypt 1780 - 1781

This gold snuffbox, made by Charles Ouizille, probably in Paris, features a miniature painting of Telemachus leaving Egypt. The box is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship valued in the 18th century. The meticulous application of enamel, the delicate miniature painting, and the precision of the gold work indicate a highly skilled artisan at work. Notice how the goldsmith has used various techniques, like granulation, to create different textures and visual effects. The image on the lid is not simply decorative, but a tiny painting referencing classical literature. The box is a product of a highly structured system of production, with specialized craftsmen each contributing their skills. While seemingly a world apart from industrial manufacture, this snuffbox reflects an intense division of labor, and an intricate network of trade and consumption. The materials themselves, sourced from different parts of the world, speak to global connections and colonial exploitation. By focusing on the material, making, and context, we can appreciate the snuffbox not just as a beautiful object, but as a window into the social and economic life of its time.