Vinaigrette box 1835

This small Vinaigrette box was crafted by Gervaise Wheeler, sometime between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. As you can see, it is intricately decorated, the craftsmanship a reflection of the era’s focus on luxury and personal adornment. It’s easy to consider the role these objects played in the lives of wealthy women. Vinaigrette boxes were used to hold a sponge soaked in vinegar and aromatic oils, intended to mask the unpleasant odors prevalent in urban environments. Imagine the sensory experience of carrying this small, ornate box, a private shield against the smells of a rapidly industrializing world. It is a poignant reminder of the constraints and expectations placed on women, navigating social spaces while needing to maintain an illusion of pristine femininity. While being a symbol of status, it also speaks volumes about the lived realities of its owner.