**Snuffboxes in the 18th Century: A Symbol of Status and Style in the Netherlands**
In the 18th century, snuff boxes were more than just practical objects. They were true works of art, status symbols and personal accessories that reflected the rich cultural life of Amsterdam, among other places. The rise of tobacco sniffing in this period not only influenced society, but also the production of luxury items such as snuff boxes. These small, delicate boxes first became popular at the court of Louis XIV of France and then spread throughout Europe, with Amsterdam becoming an important center of production and trade.
The box above:
19th century silver snuff box, especially meant for women. Smaller model than what the men used. The silver box has the initials G. v/d. B on a beautifully decorated lid.
The box is marked VH 33 which stands for the silversmith HJ van Halteren from Schoonhoven. Active from 1837-1863, date letter b for 1861 and the second content mark.
The Snuff Culture of the 18th Century:
In the 18th century, sniffing tobacco was seen as a refined activity associated with the upper classes. Sniffing was not only a way to get the tobacco fumes into your lungs, but it was also seen as a social ritual. The snuff box, which was carefully chosen and often beautifully decorated, was an essential part of the sniffing experience.
The tobacco industry flourished during this period, and Amsterdam, as a trading centre, played a major role in this. The city was known for its flourishing economy, in which art and crafts blended effortlessly with everyday life. The demand for luxury snuff boxes grew, especially among the wealthy bourgeoisie and aristocracy. These boxes were often seen as an expression of taste and prosperity.
The box above:
Silver snuffbox in the shape of a suitcase with a carved biblical representation of Abraham's sacrifice on the top and Abraham's sending away of Hagar and Ishmael on the bottom.
The box has no master stamp, but it is possible that the box was made by Cornelis van Hoek (1786-1811) or Dirk Goedhart (1782-1811), who are known for similar suitcase boxes.
The snuffbox is provided with the city mark of Amsterdam with the year letter X for 1806. The snuffbox is also marked with the crowned ET (Étranger=foreign), the import and excise mark of the French empire, used in 1809-1819, used in present-day Belgium, the Netherlands and other areas occupied by France. In addition, marked with the crowned O. (Dutch tax-free mark 1807)
The front features the engraved initials M J.
The box is in excellent condition.
Weight 43.9 grams. Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 5.5 cm.
The Production of Snuff Boxes in Amsterdam:
The 18th century Amsterdam craftsmen were extremely skilled in making snuff boxes. The city was known for its craftsmanship, and various materials were used to make these boxes, such as silver, wood, ivory and porcelain. Some boxes were even inlaid with mother of pearl or other precious stones, which made them true objects of art.
The decorations on the boxes were often elaborate and symbolic. They were decorated with engravings, paintings, or even small sculptures that reflected the spirit of the 18th century, such as mythological figures, animals or city life. Snuff boxes were also often decorated with the owner's initials or a personal motto, which emphasized their ownership.
The Social Significance of Snuff Boxes:
Snuffboxes, as mentioned earlier, were much more than just practical objects in the 18th century. They were an important part of social life, especially in Amsterdam, where the wealthy elite often gathered in salons and gatherings. Showing off a beautiful snuffbox was a way to display social status. It was not uncommon for people to take out their snuffbox during social occasions, take a sniff and then elegantly show the box to others.
The boxes often had a symbolic meaning. For example, they were often given as gifts on special occasions such as weddings, birthdays and other significant moments in life. In some cases, they were even designed to record personal messages or memories.
The city of Amsterdam played a crucial role in the spread of this art form. Craftsmen often worked in small workshops, but there were also large factories that produced snuff boxes, especially near the Jordaan. The creation of snuff boxes was a lucrative business, and the city was a hub for the trade in these luxury items. Amsterdam exported snuff boxes to other parts of Europe, and some snuff boxes were even sent to the distant colonies of the Netherlands.
Today, we can admire the beauty and craftsmanship of the 18th century snuff boxes in museums and private collections. Many of the boxes have been preserved as valuable heirlooms, and they provide us with a fascinating insight into the social, cultural and artistic world of Amsterdam at that time.
**Conclusion**
Snuff boxes from the 18th century are an important part of the cultural heritage of Amsterdam and elsewhere, offering us a glimpse into the lifestyle and tastes of the upper classes. These artistic objects not only reflect the fashions of their time, but also the social status of their owners and the flourishing of Dutch craft traditions. Although sniffing tobacco is no longer as popular today, snuff boxes remain a fascinating part of the city's history and heritage.
