Decorative arts

Snuffbox

1 of 4

Type: Decorative arts(Opens in new tab)
Date: 1795-1809
Accession number: 84.42
Maker: Unknown, French, 18th Century(Opens in new tab) (French)
Dimensions: 1 7/8 x 2 5/8 in. (4.8 x 6.7 cm.)
Medium: gold
Description: Oblong snuffbox of gold with engraving.
Credit: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Gift of the Virginia Steele Scott Foundation
Department: European Art
Find out more: View in the Art Museum catalog(Opens in new tab)

Label text

Oval in form and of comparatively simple guilloche (engine-turned) engraving in the form of concentric ovals centered on the point immediately above the thumb-piece, this snuffbox was depicted in the portrait of Paul Beck Jr. by Thomas Sully (83.8.46). It was given to Beck by William Jackson, and important political figure during the American Revolution. The interior of the snuffbox bears the inscription:

To Paul Beck Jun,r Esq.r
This small memorial of esteem is presented by his sincere friend W. Jackson, May 15th, 1812

Snuffbox

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