Artwork
Snuff Box
Snuff Box is a watercolor painting by the Rococo painting artist Jean-Urbain Guérin. It dates from 1805 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This small, round snuff box, crafted from ivory, was created in 1805 by Jean-Urbain Guérin. A prominent French miniaturist and draughtsman, Guérin was recognized for his skill in detailed works. The object serves as both a functional container and a display of intricate artistry, reflecting the refined tastes of its era. It is currently housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Technique & Style
This ornate aesthetic aligns with the decorative sensibilities characteristic of the Rococo period, emphasizing intricate detail and elegant forms.
Fashioned from ivory, the snuff box exhibits a meticulous carving technique. Its design incorporates a dark, swirling material on the lid, which frames a delicate red-and-white motif depicting an inkwell with a nib. The base features gold and brown stripes, unified by a slender metal rim. This ornate aesthetic aligns with the decorative sensibilities characteristic of the Rococo period, emphasizing intricate detail and elegant forms.
Subject & Meaning
As a snuff box, this object was designed to hold powdered tobacco, a common luxury item in the 18th and 19th centuries. The intricate red-and-white design on its lid, carefully carved to depict a miniature inkwell with a nib, suggests a connection to writing or scholarly pursuits. This subtle imagery elevates the functional item into a personal accessory imbued with symbolic detail.
Context
Jean-Urbain Guérin was highly regarded among his contemporaries, including notable artists like Jean-Baptiste Isabey and Jacques Augustin, for his mastery of miniature portraiture and draughtsmanship. His oeuvre included likenesses of significant historical figures such as Marie-Antoinette and Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. He also documented deputies of the Third Estate in 1785, indicating his engagement with both aristocratic and political subjects.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Urbain Guérin (French pronunciation: ; 1760 – 29 October 1836) was a French draughtsman and miniaturist.
