Artwork
Snuff Box with a Portrait of a Lady
Snuff Box with a Portrait of a Lady is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1803 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts an unidentified lady, rendered as a portrait miniature on the lid of a snuff box dated 1803. The portrait forms the primary decorative element of the object, indicating its personal nature as a small, portable likeness. While the sources identify the subject and format, they do not provide specific iconographic or symbolic details beyond the representation of the lady herself.
History & Provenance
Its creation coincides with the early phase of portrait miniatures in Europe, reflecting the period’s fascination with intimate, finely rendered likenesses.
The Snuff Box with a Portrait of a Lady is a painted miniature produced in 1803. It is attributed to Swiss miniaturist Pierre Louis Bouvier, who was active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The work entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it has been housed since at least 2008 (accession 2008.285).
Its creation coincides with the early phase of portrait miniatures in Europe, reflecting the period’s fascination with intimate, finely rendered likenesses. The piece remains part of the museum’s permanent holdings, preserving its provenance within the institution’s documented acquisitions.
The Snuff Box with a Portrait of a Lady is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland. The work, created in 1803 by the Swiss artist Pierre Louis Bouvier, is cataloged under the accession number 2008.285. It is classified as a portrait miniature within the museum's holdings. The provided sources do not list any specific exhibitions where this object has been displayed.
Overview
This small, circular painting, titled "Snuff Box with a Portrait of a Lady," was likely created as a decorative element for a luxury item, specifically a snuffbox. It presents a detailed depiction of an unidentified woman, set against a subtle landscape, embodying a common practice of personalizing such objects during its era.
Technique & Style
Executed in a miniature format, the painting emphasizes the subject's face with distinct clarity, contrasting with the soft, muted tones of the background landscape. The gold frame, an integral part of its original presentation, enhances its appearance as a precious object, typical of the refined craftsmanship associated with such personal accessories.
Artist & collection
Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of a Lady
Portrait of a Woman Near a Balustrade
Portrait of a Woman
Portrait of Susan Coren Towers
Marcia Burns
Portrait of Anne Vallayer-Coster
Portrait of Anna Walmesley
Portrait of a Lady
Portrait of a Woman Near a Balustrade- Snuff Box with a Portrait of a Lady