Lot 873
  • 873

A pair of French silver-gilt and enamel Louis XVI-style frames, Cartier, Paris, circa 1907

Estimate
40,000 - 80,000 USD
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Description

  • signed Cartier Paris on the strut, the portraits signed Mathieu Deroche
  • silver, silver-gilt, enamel
  • height 9 7/8 in.
  • 25 cm
topped by ribbon bows and laurel garlands, the outer border enameled in translucent purple over engine-turned ground, surrounding a band of dots of turquoise enamel, dark-green enameled flutes, and a raised frame of gilt bellflowers on light-green ground, enclosing two oval photo-enamel portraits, the backs glass over yellow watered silk.

Condition

female portrait with two small chips to enamel at 5:00, another to right of ribbon bow at top; glass covers and portraits a little loose, rubbing to gilt struts and some water strains to silk backs, otherwise good
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

A similar Louis XVI-style enameled frame, particularly for the base motifs, was commissioned by J.P. Morgan in 1907 and illustrated by Hans Nadelhoffer, Cartier: Jewelers Extrarodinary, fig. 8, p. 37.  He also illustrated another frame of 1907 with the same strong combination of purple and forest green (color plate 6).

Mathieu Deroche invented a technique of developing photographs on white enamel plaques, which he then painted in colors; he advertised as having won a gold medal at the 1878 Paris Exhibition.