Museum - Anthropomorphic Snuffbox - Seated Grognard - Folk Art - Convict Work

Late XIXᵉ century

France

Tabatière in carved corozo representing a seated male figure, treated in the round, in a collected and expressive posture.

The figure is distinguished by a strongly individualized face, with accentuated features: fixed gaze, half-open mouth, almost cartoonish expression. The figure is dressed in a suit evocative of military garb, with ruff and marked shoulders, and topped with a hat.

He holds a stick in one hand and a small piece of paper in the other, suggesting an everyday scene or a satirical depiction. The set is part of a tradition of objects that are both utilitarian and narrative, where the snuffbox function doubles as an assertive figurative intention.

The piece is distinguished by a quality of execution uncommon in this type of production. The treatment of the face, the precision of the hands and the finesse of the details bear witness to a mastery of craftsmanship that goes beyond the merely utilitarian.

The piece is distinguished by a quality of execution that is uncommon in this type of production.

The sculptural work is precise and particularly meticulous. Volumes are well-constructed, the folds of the garment legible, and the whole retains great legibility despite the reduced scale.

The snuffbox opens in two parts, the hinge now missing. There is an old crack on the side. The object remains stable and lends itself perfectly to display.

Beautiful old patina, deep and shiny, testifying to prolonged handling.

Dimensions:

Height: 8.5 cm

Condition:

Back missing, wear from use, old crack, hinge missing.

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