Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Snuffbox

Name Class Date

Paul Robert, Snuffbox (1758), Metropolitan Museum of Art. Public domain. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Paul Robert allpaintingsstore.com/en/artists/paul-robert/
Artist’s dates
1851 – 1923
Painted
1758
Medium
Oil
Original size
8 x 7 cm
Movement
French Rococo
Period
19th Century
Held at
Metropolitan Museum of Art allpaintingsstore.com/en/museums/metropolitan-museum-of-art-new-york/
Artistic style
Post-Impressionism
Influences
François Riel
Notable elements
Cartouches, reeding
Subject or theme
Luxury goods, snuff

In context

Snuffbox — Paul Robert

How big is it?

The original measures 8 × 7 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1740
  2. 1760
  3. 1780
  4. 1800
  5. 1820
  6. 1840
  7. 1860
  8. 1880
  9. 1900
  10. 1920

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 72 at death.

Shaded: the lifetime of Paul Robert (1851–1923) ▲ this work, 1758 every dated painting, decade by decade

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Clay #8a6d44

    Catalogued palette

    • #8A6D44
    • #96928F
    • #5F4939
    • #302B2B

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Clay
    Intensity
    Monochromatic How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Gentle How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Balanced How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Muted How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    About this artwork

    Snuffbox — Paul Robert

    The Intricate World of Paul Robert’s Snuffbox

    Paul Robert's "Snuffbox," crafted in 1758 during the height of Louis XV’s reign, offers a captivating glimpse into the opulent world of Parisian goldsmithery and the burgeoning social ritual of snuff-taking. More than just a container for powdered tobacco, this exquisite piece is a miniature masterpiece—a testament to the skill of its maker, the artistry of the enamelist, and the prevailing aesthetic sensibilities of the mid-18th century. The box itself, executed in rich gold, immediately commands attention with its meticulously rendered reeding, a hallmark of French luxury goods at the time. But it’s the cartouches—small, framed panels—that truly elevate this object to an extraordinary level of detail and artistry.

    The scenes depicted within these cartouches are charming pastoral vignettes: idyllic landscapes populated by shepherds, sheep, and flowering meadows. These aren't merely decorative elements; they speak volumes about the era’s fascination with nature and the idealized vision of rural life. The use of bright colors—a vibrant palette of blues, greens, and yellows—contrasts beautifully with the warm tones of the gold, creating a dynamic visual experience. Robert’s choice to depict these scenes within the confines of a small box highlights their importance; they are not simply background ornamentation but integral components of the overall design, contributing to a sense of harmonious balance.

    A Masterclass in Technique and Craftsmanship

    The creation of this snuffbox represents a remarkable confluence of artistic skills. The goldwork itself is flawlessly executed—the reeding precise and elegant, the cartouches delicately chased with incredible attention to detail. Beyond the metalworking lies the artistry of the enamelist, who brought these pastoral scenes to life through vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Robert’s use of multiple layers of enamel – a technique known as “four-color” enameling—allowed him to achieve an astonishing level of realism and depth within such a small space. This method involved applying different colored enamels in successive layers, each fired separately to build up the final image.

    The box’s markings—the fleur-de-lis, the Paris charge marks (including the harrow and eagle), and the restricted warranty marks – provide valuable clues about its provenance and production history. These stamps, applied by goldsmiths and wardens in Paris, indicate the quality of materials used, the workshop where it was made, and the period during which it was produced. The presence of these marks underscores the box’s status as a high-quality luxury item, intended for a discerning clientele.

    Symbolism and Social Context

    The popularity of snuffboxes in 18th-century Europe is inextricably linked to the rise of snuff-taking itself—a social custom that swept across France and beyond. Initially associated with the aristocracy, snuff was initially considered a medicinal remedy, but quickly evolved into a fashionable pastime. Snuffboxes became status symbols, reflecting wealth, taste, and social standing. The elaborate decoration of these boxes—often featuring portraits of royalty or scenes from mythology—served as visual declarations of one’s position within society.

    Robert's snuffbox is not simply an object of beauty; it’s a window into the social customs and artistic trends of its time. It reflects the aristocratic fascination with pastoral landscapes, the importance of craftsmanship, and the use of luxury goods as markers of status. The box’s diminutive size—only 3 3/16 x 2 9/16 inches—further emphasizes its exclusivity and desirability, making it a prized possession for those who could afford such a luxurious item.

    A Timeless Treasure

    Paul Robert's "Snuffbox" stands as a remarkable example of French goldsmithing artistry. Its exquisite craftsmanship, vibrant colors, and evocative imagery continue to captivate viewers today. Reproductions offer an accessible way to appreciate the beauty and detail of this historical treasure, bringing its elegance and charm into modern homes and collections. It’s a piece that speaks not only of skill and artistry but also of the social rituals and aesthetic values of a bygone era.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Paul Robert

    Born in Biel-sur-Neuve, Switzerland

    a swiss painter's journey through birds and wildlife

    paul robert, a swiss painter, left an indelible mark on the world of art with his captivating depictions of birds and wildlife. born in biel/bienne, switzerland, on march 19, 1851, paul was the son of aurèle robert, who, like his brother louis léopold robert, was a painter.

    early life and training

    paul's artistic journey began under the guidance of his father. initially, he explored allegories, then transitioned to landscapes, eventually specializing in watercolors of birds and caterpillars. this progression not only showcases paul's versatility but also his deepening fascination with the natural world.

    artistic legacy

    paul robert's sons, théophile, philippe, and paul-andré, followed in their father's footsteps, with paul-andré also focusing on nature subjects. several of robert's works are now housed in the musée d'art et d'histoire at neuchâtel, a testament to his enduring impact.

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    explore paul robert's collection on AllPaintingsStore.com: [https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/paul-robert](https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/paul-robert)

    learn more about the musée d'art et d'histoire at neuchâtel and its collections: /en/art/show/art-d3aue3-en/

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    conclusion

    paul robert's artistic journey, marked by his captivating wildlife depictions, continues to inspire. through AllPaintingsStore.com, art enthusiasts can delve into his works and even own reproductions of these masterpieces. as we reflect on paul robert's legacy, we are reminded of the enduring power of art to connect us with the natural world and the artists who bring it to life. key points: - born in biel/bienne, switzerland, on march 19, 1851 - trained under his father, aurèle robert - specialized in watercolors of birds and caterpillars - several works housed in the musée d'art et d'histoire at neuchâtel

    Museum

    Metropolitan Museum of Art

    On show in new york, United States of America

    A Legacy in Stone and Light

    The Fifth Avenue facade of the Metropolitan Museum of Art beckons visitors into a realm where ancient civilizations resonate alongside modern innovations. The primary building, a magnificent embodiment of Beaux-Arts style completed between 1902 and 1914, exudes an air of classical grandeur. Colossal columns frame the entrance, inviting people into soaring galleries bathed in natural light. This monumental structure was deliberately designed as a homage to European palaces, creating a space that feels both imposing and welcoming. Beyond the main site, The Cloisters offers an intimate serenity in Fort Tryon Park, transporting visitors to medieval Europe through reconstructed chapende and gardens.

    The architecture tells a story of expansion and change. While the current Fifth Avenue location is synonymous with the institution, the museum briefly resided in the Douglas Mansion estate on West 14th Street. The original structure, designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould, featured a red-brick facade that remains partially visible today within the Robert Lehman Wing. This glimpse of the past provides a connection to an era when the surrounding area was far from the gilded mansions of the Upper East Side.

    Treasures Across Five Millennia

    Within these halls, one feels the weight of centuries. The collection spans 5,000 years of human creativity, housing over two million art objects. Visitors encounter the imposing Assyrian reliefs, depicting scenes of royal power and divine ritual carved into stone. Greek sculptures embody idealized form and proportion, including the Parthenon Marbles. The museum also holds significant works from diverse cultures:

    Chinese ceramics and intricate Japanese screens.

    African, Oceanic, and American art collections.

    The Cesnola Collection, comprising approximately 35,000 Cypriot art objects.

    A blue-glazed lotus-decorated hippopotamus statuette from Egypt, ca. 1961–1878 B.C.

    The transition from realism to modernism is visible in works like Édouard Manet’s Boating, which captures leisure on the Seine through its use of light and color. The psychological depth of Rembrandt's 1660 self-portrait offers a study in chiaroscuro, using dramatic shadow to reveal introspection. In the modern galleries, the scale of Jackson Pollock’s Autumn Rhythm (Number 30) commands attention, with its eight-foot-tall canvas and seventeen-foot length displaying a web of drips.

    Modernity and the Living City

    The museum continues to engage with the present through contemporary artists and large-scale events. Pablo Picasso’s portrait of Gertrude Stein prefigures his evolution into Cubism, capturing the essence of the American expat community in Paris. Vincent Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat remains a focal point, where intense eyes are encircled by controlled brushstrokes. The institution also recognizes contemporary figures such as Wangechi Mutu, whose humanoid sculptures occupy niches on the museum's facade.

    Beyond the permanent galleries, the museum serves as a center for social and cultural gatherings. The annual Met Gala, held on the first Monday in May, brings fashion designers and celebrities to Manhattan for an evening of glamour. On other nights, programs like Date Night at the Met occur every Friday and Saturday, ensuring the halls remain a vital part of New York life. Through conservation laboratories and digital initiatives, the museum safeguards its vast holdings for future generations.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Snuffbox

    allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/download/paul-robert-snuffbox-D2VGDE-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Robert, Paul. Snuffbox. 1758, Metropolitan Museum of Art. https://allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/paul-robert-snuffbox-D2VGDE-en/
    APA
    Robert, Paul (1758). Snuffbox [Painting]. Metropolitan Museum of Art. https://allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/paul-robert-snuffbox-D2VGDE-en/
    Chicago
    Paul Robert. Snuffbox. 1758. Metropolitan Museum of Art. https://allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/paul-robert-snuffbox-D2VGDE-en/
    Harvard
    Robert, Paul (1758) Snuffbox. Metropolitan Museum of Art. Available at: https://allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/paul-robert-snuffbox-D2VGDE-en/

    Look closely

    Snuffbox — Paul Robert

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: gold, snuffbox, miniature. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Themes that come back through the work of Paul Robert: french luxury, rococo elegance, courtly life. Which of them do you see here?
    5. What might the artist have wanted you to feel?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Art quiz

    Snuffbox — Paul Robert

    How well do you know this artwork?

    Tick one answer for each of the 5 questions below. Each has exactly one correct answer.

    1. 1. What is the primary subject depicted in the painting "Snuffbox"?

      • A A portrait of a royal figure
      • B A scene depicting three women enjoying a meal
      • C A close-up view of a gold snuffbox
    2. 2. According to the description, in what century was the snuffbox produced?

      • A The 16th Century
      • B The 18th Century
      • C The 20th Century
    3. 3. What material is the snuffbox primarily made of?

      • A Silver
      • B Tortoiseshell
      • C Gold
    4. 4. The description mentions several markings on the snuffbox. What does the ‘P.M.’ marking likely represent?

      • A The artist's initials
      • B A Parisian charge mark for gold and small silver
      • C The date of manufacture
    5. 5. What was the social significance of snuffboxes during the period depicted in this artwork?

      • A They were primarily used for storing medicinal herbs.
      • B They served as a symbol of wealth and status, often given as gifts to ambassadors or courtiers.
      • C They were exclusively used by royalty.

    My score: ____ out of 5

    Answer key — for the teacher

    This starts a fresh printed page, so it can simply be left out of the copies.

    1C · 2B · 3C · 4B · 5B

    Check any answer against the catalogue record for this painting

    Questions & Answers

    What is the format of "Snuffbox"?

    "Snuffbox" by Paul Robert is a landscape composition. The proportions are worth checking before choosing a print size.

    What explains the copyright situation of "Snuffbox" by Paul Robert?

    "Snuffbox" by Paul Robert is in the public domain - its copyright has expired. Copyright terms are measured from the artist's death, and Paul Robert died in 1923.

    Toward which tone does "Snuffbox" lean?

    "Snuffbox" leans toward a golden yellow range tone.