Capo di Monte Snuffbox with Design of a Gentleman

Economic growth in early modern Europe, stemming in part from colonization, enabled a new social mobility that blurred class lines. Colonial imports such as snuff (a mixture of oils and tobacco) and other luxury products served as status signals, especially for those aspiring to a higher position. These goods were also closely tied to evolving ideas of civility–the behavior, clothes, and habits that distinguished gentlemen (like the one depicted on this snuff box) from the lower orders.