Museum - Painted Boxwood Snuffbox - Saint John The Baptist And Surveying Scenes - Folk Art

First half of the 19th century - 1818 Belgium Francorchamps (province of Liège) Rare rectangular snuffbox in boxwood and hand-painted, circled in metal, made in 1818 by Jean Mathieu Nisen, a surveyor from Ster, a hamlet of Francorchamps. Exceptional piece for the richness and precision of its decorations, mixing sacred iconography and scenes of technical life. On the main face, a representation of Saint John the Baptist with a halo, accompanied by the Mystic Lamb and holding a banner bearing the Latin inscription "Ecce Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi". The saint is framed by two architectures in a style evoking religious icons. The back side illustrates a meticulously drawn surveying scene: a man measures with a long chain while another uses a theodolite on a tripod, under the distant gaze of hilltop castles. This scene unequivocally evokes the profession of the sponsor and testifies to a strong professional pride. On one side, a forest hunting scene completes the decor, while the other mentions in calligraphed letters the name of the owner: Jean Mathieu Nisen – De Ster de Francorchamps – 1818 This snuffbox, both intimate and skillfully executed, is part of the tradition of personalized ceremonial objects, made in homage to a profession or a life path. It testifies to a learned folk art, where the utilitarian becomes a support of memory. Condition: Very good condition. Well-preserved painting, slight wear consistent with its age. Beautiful patina of the boxwood. Dimensions: • Length: 10.5 cm Delivery: Fast and secure shipping via DHL Express, ensuring optimal protection for this unique folk art object full of history.