Snuffboxes from Hermitage

Snuffboxes from Hermitage
In the XVIII century Russia had fashion for snuffboxes. Empress Catherine II enthusiastically picked them up. Many of them were decorated with beautiful paintings or cameos, the Empress called this passion for Cameo “cameo disease.” Back in the 18th century in tsarist Russia and Europe there was a fashion to snuff tobacco. And many noble grandees began to boast to each other, who was higher in status.
Indeed, a snuffbox served as a measure of security and prosperity. The common people used boxes made of birch bark, from bone and wood. In the wealthy – of silver, gold, precious wood and decorated with precious stones. Besides, it was a whole ceremony, so the snuffbox was the subject of individual use.
In high society, these patterned boxes were even part of the entourage, the interior. It was fashionable to exhibit an interesting, precious snuff-box in the boudoir or in the living room. Even the young ladies used to have pretty little caskets for tobacco.

Gold snuff-box set with diamonds and colored enamel was created in 1775 by one of the best jewelers of St. Petersburg Jean Jacques Duke. Originally from Frankfurt-am-Main, Duke came to Russia and in 1770. He worked for an order for the imperial court, and individuals. Under the medallion there is a “secret”: the image of the sun, symbolizing Catherine II.

Gold snuff box of Parisian master Jean Dyukroley made ​​for King Louis XV (1723-1765). Magnificent Miniatures on the cover and the two sides of the woodwork, depicting still life, framed by large diamonds and small emeralds. Precious stones are enclosed in a silver frame, enhancing their brilliance and the game.

Snuffboxes from Hermitage

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