Images(64)

knife

Object NameSet of 24 Gold Dessert Knives with Reverse-Gilded Glass Handles

Maker(reverse-gilding) probably Antoine Rascalon (French, about 1742-1830)

Maker(gold blades) Pierre Bizos (French, fl. 1800-1811)

Maker(case) possibly Martin-Guillaume Biennais (French, 1764-1843)

Made FromGold, Glass, Lacquer, Mahogany, Velvet

Date1805-1810

Place MadeFrance, Paris

TechniqueReverse-gilded (verre eglomise), lacquered

Size(1-24) Knives H: 0.3 cm, W: 18.1 cm, D: 1.3 cm; (25) Wooden Case H: 3.6 cm, W: 32.8 cm, D: 16.4 cm

Accession Number2018.3.1

Credit LinePurchased in part with funds from Dwight and Lorri Lanmon

Curatorial Area(s)

Early Modern

On ViewEuropean Gallery

Interpretive Notes

Web Text

The decoration on the handles was inspired by popular artworks of the time, including Napoleonic battle scenes.

Physical DescriptionSet of 24 Gold Dessert Knives with Reverse-Gilded Glass Handles. (-1 through -24) Twenty-four gold knives. Each knife is formed of a gold blade attached to a reverse-gilded glass handle. On either side of each handle is a different figural scene in gold leaf against a black 'lacquered' background. The scenes are drawn from several sources, both historical and contemporary, and include frolicking children, warring centaurs, bacchanalian dances, and Napoleonic battles. (-25) Fitted wooden case lined with red velvet. Case decorated with reverse-gilded glass plaques.
Provenance

Source Galerie J. Kugel - 2003-2018-01-24
Formerly in a private French collection. Acquired by J. Kugel in Paris, about 2003 [per Art Loss Register]