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Lot Essay
Charles Christofle (d. 1863) took over his brother-in-law's bijouterie-joaillerie 'Maison Calmette' in 1831, and changed its name to 'Société Charles Christofle & Cie'. Following the invention of electro-metallurgy techniques by the English firm Elkington & Co., Christofle turned away from jewellery and, from 1844, concentrated on the production of large-scale works in electroplate, solid silver and gilt-bronze. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed Fournisseur officiel du Roi Louis-Philippe, and in 1855, Fournisseur de l'Empereur. Christofle supplied fine quality pieces, predominantly table-wares, to the various palaces and ministerial offices of Napoleon III. Charles was succeeded by his son Paul and his nephew Henri Bouilhet, and under their direction, the firm exhibited at the major international exhibitions throughout the 19th century.
An example of the present centrepiece, modelled with figures of the Three Graces, can be seen alongside other creations by Christofle in an engraving (see above) of one of the spectacular Imperial dinners given by Napoleon III during the 1860s.
An identical centrepiece by Christofle sold Sotheby's London, 2 October 1998, lot 158 (£28,750).
An example of the present centrepiece, modelled with figures of the Three Graces, can be seen alongside other creations by Christofle in an engraving (see above) of one of the spectacular Imperial dinners given by Napoleon III during the 1860s.
An identical centrepiece by Christofle sold Sotheby's London, 2 October 1998, lot 158 (£28,750).