Mme du Barry

Cassolette à sirène et faunesse - Cassolette à tête de bélier

Antique Clocks, Antique Furniture, Antique Glass, Antique Silver, Antiques, Antiques Miscellany, Arts & Culture Conversations, Creativity, Cultural Development, Design History & Decorative Arts, Fashion, Society & Style, Interior Design, Interiors, Social History, Uncategorized, Visual ArtsOctober 3, 2016

Pierre Gouthière – French Court Gilder, Glittering at Frick

By Carolyn McDowall

The Frick Collection, New York, November 16, 2016 to February 19, 2017, presents an exhibition of works by Pierre Gouthière: Virtuoso Gilder at the French Court

This elegant brooch takes as its theme the symbols of love. Cupid’s bow and arrows (two loose and three in the quiver) are arranged with a pair of doves, two hearts on fire and a hymeneal torch (named after Hymen, the Greek goddess of marriage). They form a diagonal composition of great effectiveness. Like most jewellery produced in France soon after the Revolution of 1789, it is made of thin gold and contains few precious stones.

Ancient Societies, Antiques Miscellany, Art, Creativity, Cultural Development, Design History & Decorative Arts, Design Styles, Fashion, Society & Style, Featured, Historic Costume, Social History, Textiles, The Culture Concept, Visual ArtsFebruary 14, 2014

Love Jewellery – Restoration to Revolution Pt 2

By Carolyn McDowall

Charles II on his Restoration to the English throne gave himself up completely to luxury adorning himself with sumptuous textiles and jewels