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Snuffbox
Possibly by: Gilles Langlois (French)
French (Paris)
About 1750–52
Object Place: Europe, Paris, France
Medium/Technique
Gold, enamel
Dimensions
3.17 x 5.08 x 6.98 cm (1 1/4 x 2 x 2 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Anonymous gift
Accession Number1976.822
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsBoxes
DescriptionThe surface of the box is chased with a lattice pattern having engraved surfaces, then enameled "en plein" with rustic landscapes which include ruins, bridges, cottages, and arbors in the manner of Lancret. The central scene on the lid of the box depicts a lady in court dress with her cavalier; doves, symbolizing fleeting love, flutter above.
Provenance1928, Félix Doistau (b. 1846 - d. 1936), Paris; March 18-19, 1928, Doistau sale, Galerie Georges Petit, Paris, lot 110. August 21, 1929, sold by Galerie Founès, Paris, to Robert Treat Paine, 2nd (b. 1861 - d. 1943), Boston; until 1976, by descent within the family; 1976, anonymous year-end gift to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 12, 1977)