Tobacco box

Unknown

late 16th–early 17th century · Copper, brass · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

An oblong box with rounded ends. On the lid is a panel with shaped sides in which are depicted two scenes from the Passion of Christ. At the left Christ bears the cross, flanked by Simon of Cyrene and Veronica holding the veil. At the right is the crucified Christ; John and Mary kneel at the foot of the cross. The panel is flanked by leaf scrolls and two roundels which are inscribed: Kristus die dragt nu het kruijs / en hangt an het kruijs (Christ who carries the cross/ and hangs on the cross). On the underside a similar panel displays two other episodes from the Gospels. To the left the Resurrection is pictured. The figure of Christ, encircled by a mandorla, is flanked by an angel and a sleeping soldier. Christ's appearance to Mary Magdalen in the garden (Noli me tangere) is shown on the right side. The roundels are inscribed: De opstandige kristus/ vertont hem in den hoof (The resurrected Christ/ appears in the garden). Rims are lined and edges molded. The front side shows line decoration and the following inscription: Nout vool makt (Not perfect). The back side and the ends also have line decoration.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th–early 17th century

Medium

Copper, brass

Culture

Flemish

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Bequest of George White Thorne, 1883