Snuffbox with portrait of Frederick the Great (1712–1786), King of Prussia
Daniel Baudesson|Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki
1750
gold
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
Daniel Baudesson|Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki
1750
gold
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
This is a small, fancy box made of gold and decorated with bright colors. The top has a tiny painted scene of a man in a fancy coat, surrounded by flowers and swans. The sides are covered in detailed patterns with more flowers and tiny figures. The box was likely a luxury item, used to hold snuff—a powder people once inhaled. The gold and jewels show it was meant for someone important. Check out Baroque for more about the dramatic style this box fits into.
