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Snuffbox

1710–20
Not on view
The delicate engraving on this gold snuffbox, incorporating classical busts and trophies, suggests a patron of considerable stature. It was made for Sir Samuel Ongley, a merchant and investor who made a large fortune in the South Sea Company, and was knighted by Queen Anne in 1713. The popularity of snuff was at its height in the early decades of the eighteenth century, and a gold snuffbox was an incontestable sign of wealth.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Snuffbox
  • Date: 1710–20
  • Culture: British
  • Medium: Gold
  • Classification: Metalwork-Gold and Platinum
  • Credit Line: Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1970
  • Object Number: 1970.131.20
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Snuffbox, Daniel Govaers (or Gouers) French, Gold, diamonds, French, Paris
Snuffbox
Daniel Govaers (or Gouers)
1734–35
Snuffbox, Mathieu Coiny fils, Gold, enamel, gem stones, French, Paris
Snuffbox
Mathieu Coiny fils
Jean-Baptiste Beckers
1759–60
Snuffbox with six scenes of putti at play, Jean Georges (or George), Gold, grisaille enamel, diamonds, French, Paris
Snuffbox with six scenes of putti at play
Jean Georges (or George)
Mademoiselle Duplessis
ca. 1761–62
Box with scene depicting Roman hero Gaius Mucius Scaevola before the Etruscan king Lars Porsena, P R British, Gold, British, London
Box with scene depicting Roman hero Gaius Mucius Scaevola before the Etruscan king Lars Porsena
P R
George Michael Moser
1741
Snuffbox, Louis-Philippe Demay French, Gold, enamel, French, Paris
Snuffbox
Louis-Philippe Demay
1766–67

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