Snuffbox. Culture: French, Paris. Dimensions: Overall: 1 × 3 1/4 × 2 3/8 in. (2.5 × 8.3 × 6 cm). Maker: Daniel Govaers (or Gouers) (French, master 1717, active 1736). Date: 1734-35.The use of snuff did not become fashionable in France until after the death in 1715 of Louis XIV, who was known to disapprove of the habit. By the time this gold box was produced, the taking of snuff was an important and elaborate social ritual. Not only were there rules of etiquette for it but the boxes that contained the powdered tobacco became highly desirable and visible accessories, serving as statements about both one's taste and one's financial status. While visiting Paris from England with her great friend Samuel Johnson, Hester Thrale wrote, "We went nowhere to day but to the Great Toy Shop called the Petit Dunkerque; I bought a Trinket or two, & longed for a Snuffbox of exquisite beauty."1 Boxes were produced at all levels of artistic skill and expense. Only the very rich could afford gold boxes