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Gold, gem set and enamel chaine de corsage, Georges Fouquet, circa 1900
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 CHF
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Description
Composed of eleven sections, each unique and set with various gemstones including chalcedony, rubies, sapphires and emeralds, baroque natural pearls and rose diamonds, highlighted between each with a geometric motif decorated with plique-à-jour enamel, terminating on plaques of foliate design highlighted with plique-à-jour and translucent enamel and baroque natural pearls, length approximately 1280mm, French assay and maker's marks for Georges Fouquet.
Literature
Cf: Musée des Arts Décoratifs, 'Les Fouquet, Bijoutiers & Joailliers à Paris 1860 - 1960', Alencon, 1983, page 71 for a similar example of a Chaine de corsage by Georges Fouquet.
Condition
Stamped with French assay marks for 18 carat gold. Maker's marks for Georges Fouquet on both plaques, numbered 139 and 3139. Baroque pearls of various colours, including white, silver, cream, brown and grey with rosé, green and blue overtones, fair to good lustre, growth marks, and typical blemishes. Coloured stones with few nicks, scratches and abrasions. Enamel in good condition, minor loss and few scratches. Signs of normal wear to the metal, scratches consistent with use. Very well preserved and in good condition.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
It was at this time when Georges Fouquet started working with the Czech artist Alphonse Mucha, who became well known for shaping the aesthetics of Art Nouveau. Mucha designed jewellery for Fouquet and when some of these were displayed at the Paris World Exhibition in 1900, Fouquet was awarded a gold medal. In 1901 Fouquet turned to Mucha to help him design his shop in Paris, which illustrated his passion for the Art Nouveau style.