A pair of French neo-gothic silvered bronze seven-light lanterns, late 19th century, attributed to Emile Froment Meurice

These impressive lanterns are a testament to the revival in the 19th century of the Renaissance styles that extensively inspired designers and makers such as the talented Emile Froment-Meurice.

Emile Froment-Meurice (1837-1913) was the son of the talented and imaginative jeweler Francois-Désiré Froment-Meurice. After a long apprenticeship as a goldsmith within the family firm, but it was not, however, until the Exposition Universelle of 1867 that he finally came into his own with the creation of magnificent works of art as innovative yet fashionable as those of his father. He then extended the company's influence by collaborating in the design of exclusive pieces for the Parisian elite. Influenced by the French Renaissance, Emile employed a highly talented team of architects, sculptors and modellers to assist him in his endeavours. Remembered chiefly as a goldsmith rather than jeweler, Emile Froment-Meurice won a number of awards including a gold medal at the Paris World Exhibition in 1867 and the cross of the Legion of Honor in 1869. In 1900, he participated in the Paris World Exhibition and exhibited jewels in the current style as well as goldsmith's work, earning him the Grand Prix. En suite with the previous lot which bears the stamp FM.