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French Mounted Objects

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Place of Origin: French
Louis Vuitton Bronze letters Store Display
By Louis Vuitton
Located in New York, NY
Hardly ever seen Original bronze letters from renovation of a Louis Vuitton store in Paris France. This came to the US from France over 25 years ago. Ver...
Category

20th Century Modern French Mounted Objects

Materials

Bronze

Mooring Venezia Columns Sculpture on Resin Lighted Base
Located in Paris, FR
Columns sculpture mooring Venetian from Doge Pietro Grimani Palace. From 18th century, hand-sculpted piece. Mooring columns for Venetian gondolas with base taken in crystal resin l...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Mounted Objects

Materials

Resin, Wood

French 1900s Painted Iron Mythological Centaur Sculpture Mounted on Custom Base
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French painted iron centaur sculpture from the early 20th century, mounted on a custom base. This French decorative object features a theme borrowed from the Greco-Roman mythology,...
Category

Early 20th Century French Mounted Objects

Materials

Iron

Large Chalkstone Architectural Element on Steel Mount
Located in Dallas, TX
Large chalkstone architectural element on steel mount. home decor. In my organic, contemporary, vintage and mid-century modern aesthetic. This piece is a part of Brendan Bass’s one-...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern French Mounted Objects

Materials

Stone, Steel

Christian Caudron, Contemporary Sconce, Onyx and Brass, Gilded with Fine Gold
By Christian Caudron
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Onxy, brass and gilded gold wall lamp designed and produced by Christian Caudron, Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2015*, in his Parisian workshop. This sconce, part of the Bridge Colle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern French Mounted Objects

Materials

Onyx, Brass

Pair of 18th Century French Architectural Carvings, ca. 1780
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of 18th century French Architectural carvings, ca. 1780.
Category

Late 18th Century Antique French Mounted Objects

Materials

Wood

1970s Agate Slice
By Jacques Duval-Brasseur 1
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1970s mounted agate slice on bronze and smoked Lucite base. Great vintage condition.
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage French Mounted Objects

Materials

Agate, Bronze

Antique French Ram's Head from Butcher's Shop (19C)
Located in SAINTE-COLOMBE, FR
Antique French Cast Iron Ram's Head from Butcher's Shop An original cast iron ram's head that would have adorned a boucherie / butcher's shop interior...
Category

19th Century Antique French Mounted Objects

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Drinking Horn with Copper Embellishments
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate an office shelf with this antique Horn; crated in France circa 1850, the piece is made with a cow horn and embellished with copper mounts on both...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique French Mounted Objects

Materials

Copper

French Art Deco Macassar Wood Model of an Aircraft Circa 1940
Located in London, GB
A unusual French Art Deco model of an aircraft, circa 1940. The body, engine casing & propellers are made of Macassar wood. The wings, tail & cockpit are metal with a chrome finish....
Category

1940s Vintage French Mounted Objects

Materials

Granite, Chrome

Red tap shaped ceramic, JC Peiré, France ca. 1970
By JC Peire
Located in Firenze, IT
Space age red tap shaped ceramic JC Peiré, France ca. 1970 H 23 cm x 19 cm Conditions: excellent, no defects
Category

1970s Space Age Vintage French Mounted Objects

Materials

Ceramic

set of two Mod Glass Shard and Cement Wall Art 1960s by J Avoinet
Located in The Hague, NL
Amazing heavy stone and colored glass shard wall mounted decorative art light. Heavy and creative inlay cut glas in beautiful crafted cement base. In original...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern French Mounted Objects

Materials

Cement

20th Century French Art Deco Model of an Aircraft on a World Globe, circa 1930
Located in London, GB
A very decorative 20th century French Art Deco model of an aircraft mounted on a world globe, French, circa 1930. Superb overall quality. Wings W 23 1/2”. Length 18”. Actual Plane ...
Category

1930s Vintage French Mounted Objects

Materials

Chrome

French Iron Mercantile Scale on Custom Stand, a Great Decorative Piece
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French iron scale from the mid-20th century presented on custom iron stand. This vintage scale from France is a sizable piece, being over 3.5 feet ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mounted Objects

Materials

Iron

High Cube Thunder Acoustic Furniture by SB26
Located in Geneve, CH
High Cube Thunder Acoustic Furniture by SB26 Dimensions: W 38 x D 48 x H 62 cm Materials: St Laurent & Arabescato marble legs, leaf gilding, leather. Weight 30 kg. Based on the Cube...
Category

2010s Modern French Mounted Objects

Materials

Marble

Late 19th Century French Fabric Bust
Located in Chicago, IL
Late 19th century French Fabric Bust. Antique bust found in Paris was a shop display and is now a fantastic object with a rich and gorgeous patina. Tur...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique French Mounted Objects

Materials

Linen

Antique French 19th Century Bronze
Located in New Orleans, LA
A pleasing bronze cherub, typical of the period.
Category

Late 19th Century Antique French Mounted Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Bronze Cherubs Sculptures
Located in Southall, GB
Pair of French Bronze Cherubs sculptures playing the drums. Perfect for home decor and interior design.
Category

19th Century Antique French Mounted Objects

Materials

Bronze

Cube Thunder Acoustic Furniture by SB26
Located in Geneve, CH
Cube Thunder Acoustic Furniture by SB26 Dimensions: W 38 x D 48 x H 52 cm Materials: St Laurent & Arabescato marble legs, leaf gilding, leather. Weight 25 kg. Based on the Cube (aco...
Category

2010s Modern French Mounted Objects

Materials

Marble

Set of 3 Particules Elémentaires Wall Sculptures by Léontine Furcy
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 3 particules elémentaires wall sculptures by Léontine Furcy. Unique pieces. Materials: Rough chamotte white sandstone, and raw chamotte red oxide back. Dimensions: Red: L...
Category

2010s Post-Modern French Mounted Objects

Materials

Sandstone

Particules Elémentaires Tribu 85.22 Wall Sculpture by Léontine Furcy
Located in Geneve, CH
Particules Elémentaires Tribu 85.22 Wall Sculpture by Léontine Furcy Unique piece. Materials: Rough chamotte white sandstone, black pencil decor oxide back. Dimensions: L 13 x H 1...
Category

2010s Post-Modern French Mounted Objects

Materials

Sandstone

Luxury Leather Brass Table Mirror Sculpture, France
Located in Paris, FR
Firmly fixed in its base, aNa watches people, life and time." Luxury mirror, it's a small sculpture object entirely sheathed in leather. Made up of thre...
Category

2010s French Mounted Objects

Materials

Brass

Massive Cast Iron Scallop Shell Attributed to the Val D'Osne Foundry
By Val D'Osne Foundry
Located in London, by appointment only
A very large-scale early 19th century naturalistically cast iron scallop shell, France, circa 1820. Attributed to the Val d'Osne factory. Measures: Wid...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique French Mounted Objects

Pair of Antique French Patinated Bronze Winged Putti Seated on Fluted Plinths
Located in New York, NY
A Fabulous Pair of Antique French mid 1800s Louis XVI Style Patinated Bronze Putti Seated on Fluted Plinths. Each putti is seen seated with their arms an...
Category

1870s Louis XVI Antique French Mounted Objects

Materials

Bronze

Lisa Rosnay, "Dis bonjour à la dame", Pièce Unique, 2013
By Lisa Rosnay
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Lisa Rosnay (1970-, France) : "Dis bonjour à la dame" - Série des Totems urbains Technique mixte / Mix materials technique : totem bois peint en fond bleu "électrique" et écriture...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern French Mounted Objects

Materials

Plexiglass, Wood, Paint

Lisa Rosnay, "tiens toi droit", Pièce Unique, 2013
By Lisa Rosnay
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Lisa Rosnay (1970-, France) : "tiens toi droit" - Série des Totems urbains Technique mixte / Mix materials technique : totem bois peint en fond bleu "électrique" et écritures en blanc dans un caisson scellé en plexiglass Deux attaches murales au dos servent à accrocher l'oeuvre : wood painted "totem" painted in electric blue color and white for the writtings. 2 metalic rings on the back to set the work on a wall Epoque : Novembre 2013 Dimensions : Longueur = 91.5 cm Hauteur = 25 cm Profondeur = 5 cm Bon état général, très légères usures du plexiglass : good general conditions, minor wears of age Commentaires : Pièce unique...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern French Mounted Objects

Materials

Plexiglass, Wood, Paint

Mid-19th Century French Silver Torah Finials 'Rimmonim'
Located in New York, NY
Handmade silver Torah finials, chased, pierced, engraved, and cast, France, circa 1860. The finials are constructed with large open-work decorated ball ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique French Mounted Objects

Materials

Silver

Jeff Koons “Lips” Porcelain Plate
By Jeff Koons
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Artist/Designer: Jeff Koons (American, b. 1955); Bernardaud Additional Information: The coupe service plate was produced in honor of Bernardaud’s 150th anniversary. The original pai...
Category

2010s French Mounted Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Table Modern Lamp by Artist Salih Mehchi, Perfect for Christmas
By Salih Mekhici
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/5003 - Unusual and elegant tree shaped Table led lamp, one of the first led lamp, created by the young artist Salih Mehci, very famous in France for his incredible huge lightwe...
Category

Late 20th Century Other French Mounted Objects

Materials

Steel

Antique French Terracotta Plaque by Émile Müller & Co
By Emile Müller
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique terracotta plaque depicting a horse and rider in neoclassical and roman styles by the workshops of 19th century French ceramist, sculptor and architect, Émile Müller. Poss...
Category

Late 19th Century Neoclassical Antique French Mounted Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Set Of 6 Long Flat Decorative Objects by Mylene Niedzialkowski
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 6 Long Flat Decorative Objects by Mylene Niedzialkowski Dimensions: Between 8 and 30 cm approximately. Materials: Raw brass. Long flat jewelry in solid brass, handmade and de...
Category

2010s Modern French Mounted Objects

Materials

Brass

Terra cotta Medalion , Sculpture by the sea 1970’s
Located in PÉZENAS, FR
Wonderful terracotta medalion representing by the sea Blue of the sea , beach And mountain You could installed on top or on the wall There is two cubic signature incrusteed
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mounted Objects

Materials

Terracotta

One of a kind White Gold Leather Brass Copper Sculpture, France
Located in Paris, FR
White and Gold Sculpture covered with leather with its flowerbed in copper plated metal. Hot gilding. Its seat is in full brass, varnished and...
Category

2010s French Mounted Objects

Materials

Brass, Copper

Large Antique Ceramic Wall Plaque of Military Figures
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large antique ceramic wall plaque depicting European military figures, sourced from an ex British private collection. This unusual cera...
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian French Mounted Objects

Materials

Steel

Raised polychrome decoration Earth globe attributed to Jacques Adnet
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Brussels, BE
This French Earth globe, attributed to Jacques Adnet, is a stunning decorative piece that blends artistry with craftsmanship. Made of plaster with raised polychrome decoration, it fe...
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage French Mounted Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass

An Exquisite and Rare French Louis XVI Style Ormolu-Mounted Bloodstone Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
An Exquisite and Rare French Louis XVI Style Ormolu-Mounted Bloodstone Inkwell, circa 1875. A truly exceptional and jewel like quality inkwell encrier, made with the finest ormolu, mounted on bloodstone. A true collectors and one of a kind piece. Revival of the ancient régime in the late 19th century was paramount to the French furniture and bronze casting firms of the Belle Epoque. Imitation in the highest regard and replication of those tastes and styles was prevalent throughout the Paris Faubourg, where the most talented bronziers and ébénistes established their workshops. The present inkwell encrier recalls the late 18th century's obsession with hardstones - a taste expounded above all by the duc d'Aumont and, subsequently Marie-Antoinette. Such hardstone-mounted pieces, reminiscent of Renaissance schatzkammer objects, enjoyed a revived popularity at the end of the 18th century through the impetus of both the marchands-mercier and, more importantly, the hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, where the duc d'Aumont himself established a workshop in 1770 specializing in the cutting and polishing of precious hardstones. This exceptional inkwell encrier, sumptuously-mounted with finely chased gilt-bronzes, incorporates a highly-prized material such as bloodstone. Sometimes called the Sunstone, the meaning of Bloodstone comes entangled in fascinating history. The Ancient Greeks held the Bloodstone as a gem with glorious powers. They referred to it as Heliotrope, which directly translates to Sunstone. It was believed to have heavenly healing powers gifted by the gods and most certainly when it came to healing all things related to the blood. Even as we move forward into the Middle Ages, the Bloodstone takes another mystical story under its wing. It was believed to be formed from Christ's blood. It was said that during the Crucifixion, a few red spots of his blood dripped...
Category

19th Century Napoleon III Antique French Mounted Objects

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, and Smoky Quartz Carved Horse
By Mellerio
Located in New York, NY
Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Jade, Mother-Of-Pearl and Smoky Quartz, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object. An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt, rock-crystal, jade, obsidian, mother-of-pearl, and smoky quartz carved jeweled sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1991. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved smoky -quartz and jade horse with a harness mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, rubies, turquoise, and amethyst chains and pendants. The top columns adorned with 18k gold and brilliant cut diamond pendants, the bottom with gold and mother of pearl plaques. The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / N° 05 / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5003 D The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 10.5" high x 8.5" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...
Category

20th Century French Mounted Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal, Jade, Quartz, Gold, Silver

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamond, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, & Lapis Horse
By Mellerio
Located in New York, NY
Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamond, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Obsidian & Lapis Horse An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt rock-crystal, obsidian and lapis lazuli jeweled sculpture "Bucéphale, Chevaux de légende", "Bucephalus, A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1998. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock crystal slab is finely applied with a lapis lazuli half-horse with harness mounted in 18k gold and brilliant cut diamonds, between two crystal and lapis lazuli columns adorned with gold and diamonds, insert with 7 ruby cabochons and 1 emerald cabochon, the obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5029 DIV Bucephalus (c355-326 BC) is among the most famous horses in history, and it was said that this he could not be tamed. The young Alexander the Great, of course, tamed him – and went on to ride his beloved equine companion for many years and into many battles. The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 10" high x 9" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...
Category

20th Century French Mounted Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Rock Crystal, Gold, Silver

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