Signed: Henri Matisse (in pencil on back); May 30, 1933, XXIII c:10 (in red ink on back); PHOTOGRAPH BY CARL VAN VECHTEN, CANNOT BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT PERMISSION (blue ink stamp on back)
Eugene Fontenay (1823-1887) “Wisteria” brooch and fitted with original pendant attachment in 18k gold with extremely fine detailing, superb granulation and hanging pendant blossoms, marked: EF in a diamond poincon (the mark of Eugene Fontenay), French Eagle’s head touchmark for 18k gold (2x), c.1875
Eugene Fontenay (1823-1887) “Wisteria” brooch and fitted with original pendant attachment in 18k gold with extremely fine detailing, superb granulation and hanging pendant blossoms, marked: EF in a diamond poincon (the mark of Eugene Fontenay), French Eagle’s head touchmark for 18k gold (2x), c.1875
Length of pendant: 3 and 3/8 inches x width: 1 and ½ inches
Matching French open wirework long necklace in 18k gold with fine detailing and delicate beadwork details, marked: TM in a diamond poincon (maker’s mark and possibly that of Michel Tricaud), French eagle’s head touchmark for 18k gold (3x), c.1875
Pendant and necklace combined weight: 2.61 Troy ounces / 81.2 grams / 52.3 pennyweights
Nineteenth century French goldsmith Eugène Fontenay (1823-1887) was born into the profession, with a family name long known for their skills as goldsmiths. Fontenay opened his own studio in 1847 after apprenticing with Marchand and working for the Parisian jeweler Dutreih. Influenced by the archeological revival style of the period, a response to the Campana Collection of classical jewels, brought to France in 1861. Fontenay became an author as well, and published books including“Les Bijoux Anciens et Modernes” in 1887, after selling his workshop.
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