BY F.-D. FROMENT MEURICE AND A. PRÉAULT, CIRCA 1840

Details

An important chatelaine
By F.-D. Froment Meurice and A. Préault, circa 1840
In Gothic style, the top modelled as a couple in a gothic chapel surrounding the crowned coats of arms of the noble families of Godart de Belbeuf, Normandy, and De Pottere, Gand, above the device Floreat Semper, above a key, a vinaigrette and a seal connected with gold chains set with garnets, pearls and malachite plaques applied with silver portraits in high relief, and a silver plaque of a couple in architectural setting
31cm. long
Marked twice with artist's monogram
See illustration

Special notice

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Lot Essay

The many symbols and portraits incorporated in this chatelaine are based on the Divina Commedia by Dante Alighieri. Dante and Beatrice are portrayed on the vinaigrette, Paolo and Francesca can be identified on the central plaque whilst reading the story of Lancelot and Guinevere. The busts of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere are applied to the key. Charles V (1500-1558) and his parents the Archduke Philip of Austria and the Infanta Joanna of Aragon are portrayed on the malachite plaques. Portraits of Philip, Mary and Joanna, the children of Charles V, are applied to the seal.

Froment-Meurice (1802-1855) and Préault (1809-1879) worked together for nearly 25 years.

For comparison see: Henri Vever, La Bijouterie Française au XIXe siècle (1800-1900) Vol. I, Paris, 1908, p. 179 (see illustration)

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