Snuff box — Snuff box with Vulcan's forge, France, first half of 18th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
first half of 18th century
Snuff box — Snuff box with Vulcan's forge, France, first half of 18th century is an object recorded by Victoria and Albert Museum, dated first half of 18th century.
The museum's brief description reads: Snuff box, carved ivory, the Forge of Vulcan, probably French, first half of 18th century. Museum description: On the lid is a representation of the Forge of Vulcan. Below arabesques. The museum record gives material recorded as ivory, silver; measurements Width 6.3 cm; Height 2.4 cm; Diameter 3.7 cm; place associated: France. 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
This is an ivory snuffbox, made possibly in France in the first half of the 18th century. On the lid is a representation of the Forge of Vulcan. Below are arabesques. Throughout the ages artists and craftsmen have made virtuoso carvings as a display of their skill and ingenuity. Ivory combs, together with mirror cases, boxes and gravoirs for parting the hair, formed an essential part of the trousse de toilette or étui (dressing case) of the typical wealthy lady or gentleman in the period. The two leading cities for ivory carving were Paris and Dieppe. Luxury items, such as combs were often made in Paris, especially during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. During the seventeenth century Dieppe became increasingly significant for small-scale sculpture in ivory, perhaps because it was a port. Vulcan is the Roman god of fire and blacksmithing who forged the weapons of many gods. He was the son of Jupiter and Juno. Jupiter threw him down to earth from the Olympus in anger, which made him crippled. He was married to Venus who made a cuckold of him. His chariot is drawn by dogs.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- ivory, silver
- Dimensions
- Width 6.3 cm; Height 2.4 cm; Diameter 3.7 cm
Technical characteristics
- Technique
- Carved ivory with silver mounts
- Place recorded
- France
Identification
- Museum object name
- Snuff box
- Museum object number
- A.1075-1910
- Museum system number
- O310950
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.