
Neo Etruscan More style info: The archaeological revival is the appellation for neo-styles of the 18th and 19th centuries that where inspired by discoveries in the excavations of Roman, Egyptian, Hellenistic and Etruscan sites. A true artist and a distinguished writer, he handled a pen as skilfully as a paint brush." See also the Vever, p. Henri Vever in his extensive work French Jewelry of the 19th Century, described Fontenay as a "man of distinction and rare intelligence, of great discernment and His time to publishing numerous articles on jewelry, as well as working on his masterpiece, Les Bijoux Anciens et Modernes, published posthumously in 1887. Work in this style, and counted among his many prominent clients the Viceroy of Egypt, the Shah of Persia and the King of Siam.įontenay was a founding member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Bijouterie-Joaillerie-Orfèvrerie in Paris and was awarded the cross of the Légion d'HonneurĪs a member of the jury at the Vienna exhibition in 1873 as a result of his masterly Report on the goldsmiths' and silversmiths' work. He received a gold medal at the 1867 Paris World Exhibition for his
Fringe paintbrush necklace series#
Series of jewelry containing enameled plaques which employed antique themes and an antique style. In addition to exquisite goldwork, Fontenay collaborated with the enamelist Eugène Richet on a "archeological style," Fontenay's pieces were influenced by ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan examples, and were certainly inspired by the 1860 arrival in Paris of theĬampana Collection, ancient jewelry purchased by Napoleon III. However, it is his work of the 1860s for which he is most renowned. Success, culminating in the execution of a tiara for the Empress Eugènie in 1858.

By the 1850s he had achieved considerable Fontenay was no doubt inspired by the CampanaĬollection of ancient jewellery, acquired by Napoleon III in 1860, and his firm produced much work in the antique style based on Greek, Roman and Etruscan examples.Įugène Fontenay, son of goldsmith Prosper Fontenay, founded his own workshop on the rue Favart, Paris, in 1847. Techniques of granulation and filigree, and became best known for his outstanding work in the 'archaeological' style. Sold at Sotheby's for $ 52,000 (Important Jewels auction, New York, February 2008 sale N08410, lot 110).Įugène Fontenay (1823-87) was one of the foremost goldsmiths in France during the second half of the nineteenth century.
Fringe paintbrush necklace plus#
and a similar necklace plus matching earrings were A demi-parure of very similarĭesign is illustrated in French Jewelry of the Nineteenth Century, Henri Vever, translated by Katherine Purcell, p. The continuous uniform fringe decorated with beads, wirework and florettes of this necklace is typical for the work of Eugène Fontenay.

Thisstriking collar necklace is in very good condition – circa 1870 – length: 36.50 cm (14.37 inch) – Weight: 84.50 grams.Ī stunning eye catcher worn separately or showcased amongst other pieces! Immense skill & precision is clearly evident within the uniformly beaded fringe, stunning florettes and intricate wirework. Technique whereby gold wires are masterfully twisted into delicate shapes and filigree reminiscent of a bygone ancient era! Undeniably a breathtaking 18k antique yellow gold French Filigree Choker Necklace that showcases the incomparable granulation Antique gold filigree choker necklace made in France
