Powder Box (Poudrier)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1779–80
Powder Box (Poudrier) — Miscellaneous, by Jean-Joseph Barrière (French), made in France, dated 1779–80. 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. Physical description: enamel on gold; Diameter: 1.8 x 5.5 cm (11/16 x 2 3/16 in.).
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
Held by Cleveland Museum of Art (object no. 1957.403). The museum record attributes this piece to Jean-Joseph Barrière (French) in France around 1779–80. Details beyond the museum's own catalogue entry have not been independently verified.
Physical characteristics
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 1.8 x 5.5 cm (11/16 x 2 3/16 in.)
- Materials techniques
- enamel on gold
Identification
- Source note
- All details come from the object's own museum catalogue record; nothing has been copied from other entries.
- Museum object name
- Miscellaneous
- 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.