Jean-François-Joseph Béghin, "le plus illustre orfèvre des Pays-Bas autrichiens" ("the most illustrious silversmith from the Austrian Low Contries", Lucy Tondreau and Raymonde Stilmant, L'Orfèvrerie en Hainaut, 1985), is the author of some brilliant interpretations of the Rococo and Neo-classic styles. Amongst his works is a celebrated ensemble of two soup-tureens and two pots-á-oille, made in 1766 for François du Mont, Marquis de Gages and Alexandrine de Bousies, and impressive chocolate-pots such as the present example. His drawings, of which a series of 159 had been kept by his descendants, demonstrate his mastering of the most up-to-date trends.
J.F.J. Béghin entered his mark in 1752, became Grand-Garde of the Mons Silversmiths Corporation from 1761 to 1779 and died in 1787.