Artwork
Snuffbox
Snuffbox is a gold portrait miniature by the Romanticist artist Paul Robert. It dates from 1758 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Snuffbox is a gold metalwork piece created by Paul Robert in 1758, featuring intricate enamel details and two internal painted scenes.
Subject & Meaning
The snuffbox contains two contrasting domestic scenes: an upper scene depicting a serene family moment in a kitchen with a woman, children, and everyday objects, and a lower scene suggesting tension between a man and woman, accompanied by a dog and fruit basket. The scenes may reflect everyday life and relationships of the time.
Technique & Style
The piece showcases Robert's use of gold with elaborate swirl patterns on the edges. The enamel work incorporates bright, albeit aged, colors with small painted flowers, indicating a high level of craftsmanship typical of 18th-century metalwork.
History & Provenance
Created in 1758 by Paul Robert, the snuffbox's ownership history prior to its current location is not detailed here, though it is now part of a collection comparable to those found at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Context
This snuffbox fits within the tradition of ornate, functional luxury items of the 18th century, designed for the elite. The internal scenes provide a glimpse into the daily life and social dynamics depicted in art of that era.
Legacy
As a piece of 18th-century metalwork, it contributes to the understanding of artisanal techniques and aesthetic preferences of the time, though its specific influence or renown beyond its craftsmanship is not highlighted.
Artist & collection
