Toilet Service: Powder Box [1 of 2]

Attributedattributed to George Bowers (British, active 1660-1689)

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS

Dateca. 1670-1680

Mediumsilver and silver-gilt

Dimensions5 3/4 x 3 3/4 x 3 3/4 in. (14.6 x 9.5 x 9.5 cm.)

DescriptionOne of two powder boxes of a ten piece, unmarked toilet service. The service includes two salvers, two rectangular boxes with hinged lids and locks, two square boxes with loose covers, two smaller square boxes with loose covers, and two powder boxes with double screw-on covers.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Munro Collection

Label TextThis silver toilet service once graced the dressing table of a lady. Elaborate sets like this served as symbols of wealth. The various caskets and boxes held combs, powders, and other types of cosmetics. The large salvers and rectangular boxes show scenes from the legend of Troy, an appropriate allusion for the decoration of items designed to enhance a woman's beauty. As she sat at her dressing table and applied her makeup, the lady might have paused to contemplate the tragic results of the Judgement of Paris, whose desire for a beautiful woman incited the ten-year Trojan War.

Status

On view

Object number77.19.9