Writing Tool Box

Media - 1929.8.245.26 - SAAM-1929.8.245.26_1 - 61172
Copied Unidentified, Writing Tool Box, 1750-1800, enamel, gilded metal, and glass, 22 121 12 in. (5.06.43.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly, 1929.8.245.26
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Writing Tool Box
Artist
Unidentified
Date
1750-1800
Dimensions
22 121 12 in. (5.06.43.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of John Gellatly
Mediums Description
enamel, gilded metal, and glass
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure group
  • Landscape
  • Animal
Object Number
1929.8.245.26

Artwork Description

The art of painting on enamel flourished in England during the second half of the eighteenth century. A French jeweler, Jean Toutin, had developed a new technique for painting on enamel, in which a gold base was covered first with white enamel, then painted with a design. This craft soon spread to England, where it was adopted by jewelers and goldsmiths. Their intricately painted boxes and curios were fashionable with the wealthy, who often bought them as souvenirs from their travels. Popular items included small boxes, which were used to carry snuff or “patches” (beauty spots); bonbonnieres, which contained sweets; and etuis, which might carry a lady’s scissors, tweezers, or pencil. More functional items were also popular, including watches, candlesticks, and tea caddies.