Jean-Joseph Barrière

Jean-Joseph Barrière was a specialist metalworker active during the latter half of the eighteenth century, with documented work dating between 1765 and 1782. His output concentrated on highly refined, decorative luxury objects, primarily focusing on the design and execution of elaborate small boxes and tabatières.

Barrière’s craftsmanship is characterized by meticulous detailing and sophisticated artistry, qualities evident in the six metalworks represented in major museum collections. These examples, held by institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, establish his role in the tradition of eighteenth-century decorative arts. The documented pieces include a Box and several snuffboxes, demonstrating the intricate fabrication required for museum-quality objects.

Specific surviving works in collections include a Snuffbox with household scenes and the particularly noteworthy Snuffbox with portrait of a man, probably Prinz Karl von Sachsen (1733–1796). The inclusion of portraiture and narrative elements on these small surfaces underscores Barrière's technical skill. Though no Jean-Joseph Barrière prints or paintings are known, images of his surviving metalwork are often accessible as downloadable artwork. This material, frequently available through public domain sources, allows for detailed examination of his precise and high-quality artistic output.