Antique Victorian Napoleon III Renaissance Revival brooch. 18k yellow gold, sterling silver and enamel. Made in Paris, France, by Fanniere Freres, on of Victorian France's most famous jewelers. (see details under description below). Circa 1880 - 1895.
Measurements:
Weight is 11.8 grams. Diameter approximately 1 1/8 inch (27mm).
Description :
Very striking round brooch. Design takes advantage of strong contrast between the colors: bright yellow gold border, inner disk of blue enamel and silver cherub, utilising the space of the enamelled reserve to the outmost. Beautifully modelled and detailed cherub floats in high silver relief above the blue ground, playing his lyre, one foot overlapping the center and gently falling over the gold border. Gold in high/lower relief in concentric circles alternating unadorned gold rings with ropetwist filigree and outer ring of gold beadwork. Quality is excellent and a good example reflecting the company's reputation of superb workmanship that won them prizes and acclaim during the 19th century.
Original brown leather box with gold trim and original owner's initials, M.B. Inside the box, velvet raised display base and silk inner lid with gold-embossed maker's information (see below).
Marks and Metal:
Back of brooch has maker's name engraved; C-clasp with both eagle head (for 18k gold, made in Paris) and diamond-shaped lozenge for maker.
Fanniere Fres Rue de vanairard Paris embossed in gold on inside of box. Initials of previous owner on outside of lid.Condition:
Good with negligible wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
THE STORY:
FANNIERE FRERES The house of Fannière Frères was led by Auguste (1818-1900) and Joseph (1822-1897), brothers who were trained by their uncle, the celebrated J.H. Fauconnier, silversmith for King Charles X and the royal family. Auguste also studied sculpture at the school of fine arts, l'Ecole des Beaux-Arts, in 1838 and exhibited at fairs from 1841 to 1876. The two brothers opened their workshop together, working for the great silver artisans of Paris such as Lebrun, Odiot, Froment-Meurice as well as Christofle. The house received two first class medals of distinguished merit at the World's Fair of 1855. Determined to exhibit their work under their own names, thereby asserting the technical virtuosity that made their reputation, they were both top-ranked French artists at the London World's Fair of 1862, and awarded a medal. Earning the protection of Emperor Napoleon III with numerous official orders, they achieved great fame, were appointed knights of the Legion of honor (chevaliers de la Légion d'honneur), and earned, at the World's Fair of 1867, the gold medal. Their last appearance at the World's Fair (1900), was highly remarkable. They exhibited a silver beer set, which is now in the Musée d'Orsay. According to Christofle, the Fannière brothers were exceptional because their silver work was made entirely with their own hands, from the composition to the chasing work.
