François-Désiré FROMENT-MEURICE - Lot 286

François-Désiré FROMENT-MEURICE Partially gilded and enameled silver bowl with neo-Renaissance decoration. The circular base is edged with stylized foliage. The pedestal, chased with ivy-leaf scrolls on an amati background, is embellished with six red glass cabochons set in a closed setting. Above the base, a crown-shaped ring features alternating wolf's heads and leaf scrolls in green enamel. The shaft is adorned with a large central knot, decorated on one side with an oval agate cameo featuring the profile of Aesculapius and on the other with an oval reserve in green enamel on a guilloché ground, bearing the interlaced monogram "PLD". The knot is framed by two prancing horses set in double wolf-head scrolls. The upper part is highlighted by a leafy ring adorned with five cabochons set in a closed setting. The upper circular bowl, with hemmed rim, is chased with ivy leaves. Marks : Diamond hallmark F FROMENT a sheaf and the signature "MAISON MEURICE FROMENT". Height: 22.1 cm - diameter of bowl: 22.4 cm Gross weight: 872.4 g. Condition : Small enamel chips, bowl replaced, deformations, modifications. Notes François-Désiré Froment-Meurice (1801-1855) was the leader of an illustrious dynasty of 19th-century Parisian goldsmiths and jewelers. Trained as an apprentice chiseler, he quickly established himself as one of the leading silversmiths of his time, winning two silver medals at the 1839 Exhibition of Industrial Products, followed by gold medals in 1844 and 1849. Presented on the Froment-Meurice stand at the 1849 Exposition des produits de l'industrie française, and photographed by Richebourg, our cup, reminiscent of the famous Coupe des Vendanges, fully illustrates the eclecticism and technical virtuosity of the Parisian silversmith. Its decoration, which blends Renaissance, medieval, neo-Gothic and naturalistic influences, bears witness to Froment-Meurice's taste for the rich, abundant compositions characteristic of French Romantic goldsmithing. The exhibition featured both civil and religious works, revealing the stylistic diversity and exceptional craftsmanship of the workshop. Major pieces included the Duc de Luynes' main piece, objects made for the marriage of the Duc de Parme, reliquaries and a monstrance for the Madeleine church, as well as a shield given by the Prince-Président to the winner of the Chantilly races.