Tobacco box

Unknown

18th century · Brass, copper · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The box is oblong with rounded ends. The illustration on the lid is framed by parts of brick walls and leaf scrolls. Two women and a man seated beneath trees are watching a large bird. Inscribed below: Ik soen mijn soete lief op her lant (I kiss my sweetheart in the country). The underside shows a scene, similarly framed, of a couple walking along the waterside. A bird is depicted in the foreground and sailing vessels in the background. Inscribed below: En ik soen se aen een klaere waterkant (And I kiss her at the clear waterside). Rims are lined and edges molded. The ends and back have geometrical ornament. The front side is inscribed: Verlaat de weerelt (Leave the world). This phrase is said to be frequently found on tobacco boxes: see Van der Linden, "Les boîtes en cuivres," p. 203.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Brass, copper

Culture

Dutch

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of C. Gustave Mourraille, in memory of his sister, Miss M. Mathilde Mourraille, 1957