Artwork
Snuff Box with a Portrait of a Young Woman
Snuff Box with a Portrait of a Young Woman is an unspecified portrait miniature by the Biedermeier artist Jean-Urbain Guérin. It dates from 1805 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1805 by French miniaturist Jean-Urbain Guérin, this small portrait is mounted on a functional snuff box. The object combines decorative metalwork with a painted likeness, exemplifying the intimate scale favored by early‑19th‑century portrait miniatures. It is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
The lid bears a circular image of a young woman with dark hair, blue eyes, and a pearl necklace, rendered in a gentle, introspective pose. Her soft smile and delicate features convey a personal, private sentiment, suggesting the box may have been a keepsake or token of affection.
Technique & Style
Guérin employed fine brushwork on a polished surface, likely enamel or lacquer, to achieve a realistic yet subtly romantic rendering. The muted, creamy background and careful modeling of light reflect the Biedermeier aesthetic, which prized detailed, domestic portraiture on modest objects.
History & Provenance
The miniature remained in private hands before entering the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as an example of early 19th‑century French miniaturism. Its survival in good condition attests to the durability of the metal or enamel base and the careful preservation of the painted surface.
Context
During the Biedermeier period, artists often produced small, portable portraits for personal use, aligning with the era’s focus on family, sentiment, and modest elegance. Guérin, alongside contemporaries such as Isabey and Augustin, was a leading figure in this niche, catering to a market for intimate, wearable art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Urbain Guérin (French pronunciation: ; 1760 – 29 October 1836) was a French draughtsman and miniaturist.
