What topics does Snuffbox explore?

snuffbox, still life, luxury goods, french art, decorative arts, fruit arrangement

What was the social significance of owning a decorated snuffbox during this period?

It was only used by royalty for ceremonial purposes.

Is Snuffbox under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

Catalogue entry

Jean Formey

Snuffbox

1757. Painting, 4.0 x 8.0 cm. Metropolitan Museum of Art.

**Fig. 1.** Jean Formey, *Snuffbox*, 1757. Shown as the reproduction you are specifying: , .

§ 1Catalogue data

: Painting
: Rococo
: 1757
: 4.0 x 8.0 cm
: Metropolitan Museum of Art

§ 2Abstract

Collectible Description

Discover Jean Formey's exquisite 18th-century snuffbox painting, featuring vibrant fruit arrangements on a pink and gold decorated box; bring this Parisian luxury home.

Artist Biography

Discover Jean Formey: Master French goldsmith & enameler (1728-1797). Explore exquisite 18th-century works, including snuffboxes & jewelry. Admired for detail & quality.

§ 3Commentary

In eighteenth-century Europe, Paris led the production of high-quality luxury goods. Parisian goldsmiths made a wide range of small, personal articles such as snuffboxes; étuis to hold sealing wax, tweezers, or utensils for sewing; souvenirs, which contained thin ivory tablets for note taking; and shuttles for knotting lace. Gold snuffboxes and boxes decorated with portrait miniatures were prized and frequently given as royal gifts, often to ambassadors or members of the court in lieu of cash payments for their services. Coveted and admired, these boxes were produced from a variety of materials. The best were skillfully made of gold and embellished with diamonds, enameled decoration, lacquer, and other luxurious materials. By the middle of the century, the taking of snuff had become an entrenched social ritual, and the snuffbox, too, had become an important social prop. Snuffboxes were considered highly fashionable accessories, with some merchants advertising new boxes with each change of season. The popularity of snuffboxes extended to all levels of society, and for those who could not afford gold, boxes were produced in less expensive materials such as silver, tortoiseshell, porcelain, or domestically produced lacquer.

Questions & Answers

What art movement does "Snuffbox" by Jean Formey belong to?

"Snuffbox" is a work of Rococo. The movement indicates the artistic tradition the work is part of.

Is "Snuffbox" free of copyright?

"Snuffbox" by Jean Formey is in the public domain - its copyright has expired. This status governs how the image of the work may be reproduced.

Where is "Snuffbox" by Jean Formey on display today?

The original "Snuffbox" by Jean Formey is held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york, United States of America. A reproduction allows the work to be displayed at home.

Reproduction order sheet

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Dimensions (h × w) Standard custom Standard custom CM INCH CM INCH Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions. choose size Loading sizes... width height Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. This is hand-painted, so for a size with a different shape the artist can paint a bit more around the picture, or cut a bit — you choose. We send you a digital mockup to approve before the painting starts. The picture shown on this page does not show the real result — only the mockup does. Read more
Mounting Moulding ; overall . Above 105 cm the frame is shipped as a kit for a professional framer — read the details.
Alteration of the image	$50—
Executed by	$100—
Nameplate	—
Protective Varnish	$15—
Production and delivery	$30incl.

Customize: replace a face with a photo, add a pet, include a hidden message in the background, change the background. Our team emails you for instructions and provides a mockup preview.
Elite Senior Artist: more detail, finesse, and extra production time.
Glossy varnish: enhances colors, protects against light and moisture.
Nameplates: bronze, 9x2 cm, artist name and title; acrylic, 10x15 cm, artwork informations and QR code.

§ 4The artist

Jean Formey

1728 - 1797, France

Quick facts about Jean Formey

Full Name: Jean Formey
Nationality: French
Date Of Birth: 1728
Date Of Death: 1797
Place Of Birth: Paris, France
Notable Artworks:
- Tabatière d'époque Louis XV en or de quatre couleurs
- Boîte à double ouverture en or de louis xv
Artistic Movement Or Style: Goldsmithing & Enamelwork

Artist Biography

early life and career

jean formey, a french artist born in paris in 1728, is renowned for his exquisite work as a master goldsmith and enameler. formey's early life is marked by his apprenticeship, which he completed before becoming a compagnon at the gobelins between 1741 and 1754. he officially became a master in paris on july 17, 1754, under the sponsorship of antoine-lazare clérin.

artistic style and notable works

formey's work is characterized by its high quality and attention to detail, making him highly sought after by collectors and museums worldwide. his expertise in goldsmithing led to his appointment as prime warden in 1778, a testament to his respected position within the goldsmiths' corporation.

tabatière d'époque louis xv en or de quatre couleurs: a stunning example of formey's work, this oval-shaped snuff-box features panels of musical trophies on scalework ground, surrounded by laurel leaf borders. (view on AllPaintingsStore: [https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/jean-formey](https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/jean-formey))
boîte à double ouverture en or de louis xv: this double-opening box, also attributed to formey, showcases his mastery of vari-colored gold. (view on AllPaintingsStore: /en/art/show/art-d3aujm-en/

museums and collections featuring formey's work

formey's pieces can be found in various museums, including the musée du petit palais (france), which houses an impressive collection of artworks from different periods. (discover more about musée du petit palais on AllPaintingsStore: [https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@@/a@d3aujm](https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@@/a@d3aujm))

legacy and influence

jean formey's legacy as a master goldsmith and enameler continues to inspire artists and collectors alike. his work, characterized by its exceptional quality and attention to detail, remains a significant part of france's rich artistic heritage.

view more of jean formey's artworks on AllPaintingsStore: [https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/jean-formey](https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/jean-formey)
explore the musée du petit palais collection on AllPaintingsStore: [https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@@/a@d3aujm](https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@@/a@d3aujm)

conclusion

jean formey's remarkable career as a master goldsmith and enameler has left an indelible mark on the world of art. through his exquisite pieces, he continues to captivate audiences, offering a glimpse into 18th century france's rich artistic landscape.

§ 5Comparanda

Related Artworks

§ 6Questions

Quick Facts

Artist: Jean Formey
Subject or theme: Snuffbox with fruit arrangement
Artistic style: Rococo
Dimensions: 4 x 8 cm

§ 7Cite this entry

AllPaintingsStore.com, “Jean Formey, Snuffbox (1757)”, https://allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/jean-formey-snuffbox-D2YQYX-en/ArtistReproduction/ (accessed 22 October 2026).

§ 8The reproduction

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. ( Switch to Print Switch to Digital Image)

It is specified on the order sheet in the margin; the present state of that sheet reads as follows.

Snuffbox

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

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Elite Senior Artist

More detail, finesse, and extra production time

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Reproduction Frame

-

For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a kit, disassembled. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.

Professional assembly required - this is not a DIY product.
The kit must be assembled and the canvas stretched by an experienced professional framer, using wood glue (not supplied), a canvas stretching plier and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries. Incorrect assembly or uneven canvas tension can permanently damage the artwork and is not covered by our warranty.

All solid wood bars are included, precisely cut to size.
Assembled with the screws provided, plus wood glue for the corner joints, which is not supplied and must be sourced by your framer.
Professional tools are required and not included: a canvas stretching plier (tensioner) and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries.

Important:
The corner joints require wood glue, the bars must be held with clamps until the glue is fully dry, and tightening the canvas on the assembled frame requires a canvas stretching plier. None of these are included in the kit. Please arrange an experienced professional framer before ordering this size.

Assembly guide is provided here

Nameplate

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Protective Varnish

Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture)

-

Customize My Artwork

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.