18th Century - Limoges - Enamelled Copper Snuff Box

Exceptional enamel-painted copper snuffbox, Limoges manufacture, 18th century. A domestic scene is painted on the lid, featuring a couple depicted in a grotesque and caricatural manner. The Latin inscription, which literally means “he who is anxious to fill his stomach, this rots”, refers to the sin of greed, which the man is visibly guilty of. In fact, he is depicted holding a ladle and grabbing a jug, while his wife protects her plate with her hand. The man is depicted as a satyr, with a bump on his forehead and feline ears on his head, in a derogatory manner. Bread and knives are scattered on the table, simulating the vile attention to grabbing the largest portion or that of the other, neglecting the order and care of the tableware. Beyond the didactic meaning, the representation is splendidly painted and has beautiful gold highlights. All around the base of the box there are white enamel plant motifs. The box can be said to have no defects, neither inside nor outside, both in the structural part and in the painted part. A very rare and wonderful object, in exceptional condition. Dim. cm 9 x 7.2 x 4.2 H