Powder Box (Poudrier), France, 1779–80
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1779–80
Powder Box (Poudrier), France, 1779–80 is an object recorded by Cleveland Museum of Art, dated 1779–80. Museum description: In the 1700s ornately enameled boxes became a popular accessory in the French court.
These boxes often held powdered tobacco, called snuff. However, this box, which is unhinged, likely held powder, rouge, or face cream. Pageantry and performance were important aspects of social interaction during this period. The extravagant designs and associated functions of these boxes communicated social and political status. The museum record gives material recorded as enamel on gold; measurements Diameter: 1.8 x 5.5 cm (11/16 x 2 3/16 in.); place associated: France; maker recorded: Jean-Joseph Barrière (French).
These details come from the holding museum's own record; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Jean-Joseph Barrière received his designation of master goldsmith in 1763, a coveted title that required candidates to complete a lengthy apprenticeship followed by a test of skill.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- enamel on gold
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 1.8 x 5.5 cm (11/16 x 2 3/16 in.)
Technical characteristics
- Technique
- Miscellaneous
- Maker recorded
- Jean-Joseph Barrière (French)
- Place recorded
- France
Design
- Inscriptions recorded
- [Maker's mark of Jean-Joseph Barrière, master goldsmith in 1763, bottom; exterior wall; inside cover]: "JJB"; [Warden's mark for Paris, 1779-1780, exterior wall]; [Discharge mark of Henry Clavel I, Paris, 1780-1782, exterior wall]; [Counter-mark of Henry Clavel I and Jean-Francois Kalendrin, Paris,1782-1789, exterior wall]; [Restricted warranty mark for gold, Paris, exterior wall]; [Three illegible marks, bottom]; [Three illegible marks, cover]
Identification
- Museum attribution
- France
- Museum object name
- Powder Box (Poudrier)
- Museum object number
- 1957.403
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm materials, dimensions, maker and wider type against the museum record and a specialist reference.