Oval Snuffbox

Originating in the Americas, the practice of “taking snuff,” or inhaling pulverized tobacco through the nose, became a common European custom by the 17th century. Consumers of all social levels and of both sexes would carry small, airtight boxes filled with the powdered tobacco, taking a pinch whenever they needed. Over time, however, society’s elites began to purchase and commission increasingly extravagant and precious boxes. Kings and Queens would often present snuffboxes to ambassadors as diplomatic gifts and to courtiers as payment for services. Made of a variety of precious materials, including gold, enamel, semiprecious stones, lacquer, and tortoiseshell, snuffboxes were coveted and enthusiastically collected. Displaying one’s collection of prized snuffboxes or stylishly retrieving an elegant box from one’s pocket were important social rituals; these objects revealed a person’s tastes, interests, and erudition. This box features a central enamel depicting a view of the Italian lakes near Ticino. Portions of the lid are decorated with miniatures of flowers on green backgrounds alternating with military trophies on translucent pink grounds. Boxes like this one were made in Switzerland, usually in Geneva, and were intended to be marketed in Turkey.

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.

Mrs. Joseph Kolodny [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; gift to Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, December 16 1959.