Johann Christian Neuber's workshop was listed in a 1782 travel book among Dresden's sites worth visiting while in the city. The author noted, "His pieces worked in mosaic are especially admired by all connoisseurs," referring to Neuber's famous Steinkabinettabatiere (stone cabinet snuffbox). Made of gold and small Saxon gemstones, each sample is engraved with a number on the gold rim and described in an accompanying booklet, simultaneously representing the beauty of nature and the scientific spirit of the Enlightenment. Two original booklets were presented at the entrance to the exhibition, in the Garden Court.
PAST EXHIBITION
Early Examples of Steinkabinettabatiere
-
Snuffbox made of 108 samples of Saxon gemstones; a plaquette sets with 17 gemstones
Accompanied by its manuscript booklet
Dresden, ca. 1765−70
Gold, agate, moss agate, carnelian, and petrified wood
Private collection
Photo Michael Bodycomb -
Bonbonnière (candy box) made of 101 samples of Saxon gemstones
Dresden, ca. 1780–85
Gold, agate, carnelian, jasper, amethyst, petrified wood, and faux-pearls
Private collection
Photo Michael Bodycomb -
Snuffbox made of 93 samples of Saxon gemstones
On the bottom, a Meissen porcelain plaque representing a view of the Royal Porcelain Manufactory of Meissen
Dresden, ca. 1775–80
Gold, mostly agate and jasper, and hard-paste porcelain
Private collection
Photo Michael Bodycomb