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Gaston Lafitte 1890 French Art Nouveau Griffin Brooch in 18kt Gold with Pearl

About the Item

An art nouveau Griffin brooch designed by Gaston Lafitte. An incredible piece of art created around the 1890, during the art nouveau period in Paris France by the artist goldsmith Gaston Lafitte. This brooch depicts the three dimensional figure in high relief of a winged Griffin facing to the right. It is crafted with exceptional skills in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with chiselled, engraved and incused details to recreate all the details of this mythological animal. The most interesting thing in this piece happen in the back part. The reverse of the piece is completely engraved with incisions as a mirrored image of the obverse showing us again the image of the Griffin in a plain base. Fitted with a hinged stem pin bar with a trombone lock security lock. Gemstones: Mounted in a dangle setting, with 1 natural river white pearl Weight: 15.54 Grams, (9.96 Dwt). Measurements: 37 mm by 38 mm (1.47 x 1.51 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with French marks, the head of the eagle for the assay and warranty of the gold, the maker's mark inside a cartouche and the serial numbers "39123" associated to Gaston Lafitte. Gaston-Eugene-Omar Lafitte established his eponymous jewelry business in Paris at the turn of the 19th century. He soon gained a reputation for his outstanding creations in the blossoming Art Nouveau Style. Lafitte’s workshop excelled in intricate metal working and enamelling techniques, particularly ‘Plique-a-jour’. Literally translated from the French, ‘Plique-a-jour’ means: “Letting the daylight in”. The technique was first developed by Benvenuto Cellini in the 15th century but had a revival at the turn of the 20th century with jewellers such as Rene Lalique, and Gaston Lafitte, championing the complicated technique for its ethereal visual effects. The delicate translucency created by the backless enamel panels was a popular aesthetic in the Art Nouveau period for its effective simulation of the gossamer translucently of insects wings or dewy petals. In the spirit of Art Nouveau, Lafitte’s recurring motifs were frequently drawn from organic forms and the ideal ‘femme fatal’ figure features heavily in his designs. An exceptional example is he elegantly curved bodies of female figures, dressed loosely in airy dresses and framed in the iridescent rainbow of enamelled wings are another key motif of Lafitte’s brooches and pendants. Although there is very little literature and few anecdotes that survives about the personal life or character of this Parisian jeweller; all that does remain visible to us are the intricate pieces he created that are a testament to his skill. Gaston Lafitte’s work embodied the ethos of Art Nouveau. His pieces are full of movement, merging the natural with magic and mythology. From brooches or rings to large pendants, Gaston Lafitte’s jewellery frequently includes sinuous lines such as those of curling, vine-like branches with scrolling leaves, dripping with diamonds, pearls or opals like water droplets. The artistry involved in Lafitte’s designs have made his pieces withstand the passing of time and although his work is very much of the Art Nouveau period, they continue to attract high prices as collectables. In 2008, an iconic Gaston Lafitte enamel and gold brooch in the form of an elegant winged female figure sold at Christie’s London for £20,000, well above its estimate of £6000-8000. (From Morelle with thanks). Similar work by Gaston Lafitte Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box. Condition: The overall condition of this piece is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The pearl is secured in the settings. This brooch has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity. INVENTORY REF: P030823AENM/.3735

Creator:

Gaston Lafitte

Metal:

Gold,18k Gold,Yellow Gold

Stone:

Pearl,Natural Pearl

Stone Cut:

Rough Cut

Weight:

15.54 g

Dimensions:

Width: 1.47 in (37.34 mm)Length: 1.51 in (38.36 mm)

Style:

Art Nouveau

Place of Origin:

France

Period:

1890-1899

Date of Manufacture:

1895

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. The overall condition of this piece is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The pearl is secured in the settings. This brooch has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

Seller Location:

Miami, FL

Reference Number:

Seller: P030823AENM/.37351stDibs: LU2690218642372

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