Tobacco box

Unknown

17th century · Brass and copper · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

An oblong box with shaped ends, its copper cartouche of a shape similar to that of the box. The cartouche on the lid portrays a couple conversing in a landscape. The bust of a second man, much larger in scale, appears in the foreground; this should be seen as the personification of the evil tongue, a gossiper, perhaps. (See also 57.108.2.) Inscribed below: Valsche tong is fel (An evil tongue is fierce). In the cartouche on the underside the couple is seated with a pitcher and glass in front of a house. A clergyman stands next to them with a crucifix in his hand. Inscribed below: Doet geen mens wel (Doesn't do anybody good). Rims are lined, edges molded. Leaf scrolls are found flanking the cartouches, on the borders, and on the front and ends of the side. The back side has geometrical ornament. This is one of the inscriptions that frequently occur on tobacco boxes, according to Van der Linden, "Les boîtes en cuivres," p. 203.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

Brass and copper

Culture

Flemish

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Joseph W. Drexel, 1889