Snuffbox with domestic scenes 1757 - 1758

Curator: This is the "Snuffbox with domestic scenes," created around 1757-1758 by Mathieu Coiny fils, currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It combines various media, including metal, ink, engraving, and sculpting techniques. Editor: It's a delicate piece, this little scene contained within the box. The engraving gives it such fine detail. I’m curious – what strikes you about it? Curator: I'm drawn to the juxtaposition of high art and everyday life presented in this object. It’s a functional object, made luxurious through artisanal skill. Think about the labour involved in crafting such an intricate piece – engraving, sculpting. Was it viewed as craft or art, then? It blurs the lines, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely! So, is the point that an object meant for daily use – even something as simple as a snuffbox – could become elevated to an art form? Curator: Precisely! And it invites us to consider the social context: Who was consuming snuff, and what did this elaborate box say about their status and access to luxury? The materials themselves—metal transformed through ink and engraving—speak to a system of production, labour, and ultimately, consumption. Do you think the “domestic scenes” have any relevance to its original intended audience? Editor: Possibly. The wealthy may have enjoyed a romanticized version of everyday life. Looking at it with this focus on material and context, really highlights how this seemingly simple object embodies complex social and economic dynamics. Curator: Yes, and perhaps challenging our own pre-conceived notions about high art. I think examining the materiality shifts how we interpret its visual message, too. Editor: I completely agree. Thinking about this as an object of material culture gives it a new dimension. Thanks!