This piece resonates uniquely with the societal shifts of the 19th century—a time when emancipated figures like George Sand adopted trousers, not to cause a scandal, but to gain a freedom of movement and independence that was otherwise restricted by the dresses and bourgeois conventions of the era.
The work is presented in a period-appropriate, gold-leafed frame, decorated with scrolling foliage and acanthus motifs.
Oil on cardboard, circa 1840
This type of object is characteristic of the production of eighteenth-century marchands merciers, such as Lazare Duvaux, Dominique Daguerre and the Juilliot family. Working with imported materials and composite elements, notably Japanese lacquer and Saxon porcelain, these merchants commissioned gilt-bronze mounts to adapt such objects to the tastes and fashions of their time.
In the lower-left of the composition, a small spaniel with large, expressive eyes and a red-and-white coat enlivens the scene with a touch of familiar tenderness.
18th century
A faience mirror described as a “tabletop” mirror due to its wooden structure on the reverse, whichallows it to stand on a piece of furniture rather than be hung on a wall. It iscomposed of several sectionsjoined together with small rivets, all decorated with flowers and scrolling foliage, and surmountedby a medallion depicting a mother and child.
While the front of the mirror features numerous highly refined decorative motifs, as well as engravingaround the perimeter of the glass, the reverse is equally carefullyfinished. The back features a largecarved wooden panel, shaped to follow the contours of the mirror and incorporating what appearsto be an easel-style stand.
A “Nove” signature is also visible, referring to the place where the mirror was made, Nove di Bassano.This town was home to numerous manufactories, including Antonibon,Viero and Minghetti, among others.
Important openwork yellow gold pendant with a lace-like design, crafted using the granulation technique, which creates raised decoration through the application of minute gold granules. The cross is adorned with oval faceted amethysts and white gemstones mounted over foil, all set in closed, millegrain settings.
Portrait of a woman from the 18th century wearing a “déshabillé,” a term referring to a softer and lighter garment, often adorned with lace. She wears a lace choker, a type of jewellery that has existed throughout history but experienced a notable revival in popularity during this century. Her powdered hair is adorned with small flowers, while a pretty blue bow decorates her sleeve.