Snuff Box (Tabatière) with Portrait of Marie-Thérèse of Austria (Cleveland Museum of Art 1957.405)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
miniature, c. 1676; box, 1775–76
In 18th-century France, ornately enameled boxes that held snuff—powdered tobacco—became a popular accessory in the French court. This box is decorated with a miniature portrait of Marie-Thérèse of Austria, the queen consort of French King Louis XIV.
Their union was largely political. A year into their marriage Louis XIV took an official mistress, Madame Pompadour. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1957.405: Snuff Box (Tabatière) with Portrait of Marie-Thérèse of Austria, miniature, c. 1676; box, 1775–76. Jean Petitot (Swiss, 1607–1691), Charles Le Bastier (French). Gold, enamel, and miniature; overall: 2.3 x 4.5 cm (7/8 x 1 3/4 in.). Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 4
- 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
This box resulted from the combined efforts of the popular portrait painter who served the court of French King Louis XIV, Jean Petitot, and master goldsmith Charles Le Bastier.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- Gold, enamel, and miniature
- Dimensions
- Overall: 2.3 x 4.5 cm (7/8 x 1 3/4 in.)
- Measurements
- Overall: 2.3 x 4.5 cm (7/8 x 1 3/4 in.)
- Material and technique
- Gold, enamel, and miniature
Identification
- Date recorded
- miniature, c. 1676; box, 1775–76
- Culture period
- France
- Maker recorded
- Jean Petitot (Swiss, 1607–1691), Charles Le Bastier (French)
- Museum attribution
- Jean Petitot (Swiss, 1607–1691); Charles Le Bastier (French)
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1957.405
- Museum classification
- Enamel
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: this record describes a single museum object; confirm maker, marks and date against decorative-arts references.