Who painted Snuffbox with portrait of a woman?

Snuffbox with portrait of a woman was painted by Joseph Etienne Blerzy|François Dumont in 1774.

Where can I see Snuffbox with portrait of a woman?

Snuffbox with portrait of a woman is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Snuffbox with portrait of a woman?

Snuffbox with portrait of a woman is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Snuffbox with portrait of a woman

Joseph Etienne Blerzy|François Dumont , 1774

Snuffbox with portrait of a woman is a glass portrait miniature by the Romanticist artist Joseph Etienne Blerzy|François Dumont. It dates from 1774 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Created around 1774, this miniature snuffbox combines gold, enamel, ivory and glass to form a compact portrait box.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1774, this miniature snuffbox combines gold, enamel, ivory and glass to form a compact portrait box. The central image is a round, gold‑framed depiction of a woman rendered in fine detail. The work is attributed to the French goldsmith Joseph Étienne Blerzy, known for his intricate metalwork and miniature painting.

Subject & Meaning

The miniature portrays an unidentified female sitter, shown with dark hair and a white dress. Her expression is rendered with subtle nuance, suggesting a personal or private significance, though no accompanying inscription clarifies her identity. The absence of a background focuses attention entirely on the sitter’s visage and attire.

Technique & Style

Blerzy employed enamel over gold to achieve a luminous surface, while the portrait itself is painted on ivory, a common support for miniature work. The use of glass adds a protective, glossy finish. The rendering is realistic and highly detailed, characteristic of late‑Rococo portrait miniatures that emphasize fine brushwork and delicate coloration.

History & Provenance

The piece originates from the late eighteenth‑century French decorative arts market, a period when personal snuffboxes served both functional and decorative purposes. While specific ownership records are lacking, the object reflects the era’s taste for portable, luxurious items that combined utility with portraiture.

Context

During the 1770s, miniature portraiture was a popular means of preserving likenesses, often exchanged as intimate gifts. Gold and enamel snuffboxes like this one were fashionable accessories among the aristocracy, aligning with broader trends in personal adornment and the consumption of finely crafted objects.

Artist & collection

Artist

Joseph Etienne Blerzy|François Dumont

These artists crafted delicate snuffboxes in late-1700s France, miniature portraits painted on ivory set inside gold frames.

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art

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