Coffret aux paons, OGAL75(1), Armand Point, En 1898

Author(s): point, armand (algiers, between 1860 and 1861 - naples, 02–1932), goldsmith production date: in 1898 dating in century: 4th quarter of the 19th century type(s) of object(s): decorative arts, goldwork, silverware, email name(s): box - case materials and techniques: wood (material), champlevé enamel, cloisonné enamel, bronze, precious stone and fine stone dimensions - artwork: height: 42cm width: 34. 2cm depth: 30. 6 cm description: box on feet in the shape of peacocks marks, inscriptions, hallmarks: signature and date - signed and dated on the front: "haute-claire a. Point 1898" iconographic description: the decorative unity of the box is ensured by the peacock motif, chiseled in the shape of a foot, at the base of the box or cartwheeling at the top of the roof. On the four walls, enameled peacocks spread their trains in the middle of contorted vine branches. The peacock, symbol of immortality, and the bunches of grapes, which allude to the passion of christ and the eucharist, are two motifs borrowed from paleo-christian art. Historical commentary: armand point acquired his initial training with the watercolorist and landscape painter auguste-clément herst. A stay in north africa inspired him to create a series of orientalist paintings, several of which were purchased by the state. In 1894, he traveled to italy and became enthusiastic about renaissance painters. From 1895, he undertook enamelling experiments and founded a colony of artists in the forest of fontainebleau, which the poet elémir bourges called hauteclaire, named after the sword of olivier, a companion of roland. The peacock box finds its inspiration in the masterpieces of limousin goldsmithing, kept at the cluny museum (paris). Armand point uses different enamelling techniques to create an object of great refinement. The decorative unity of the box is ensured by the peacock motif, chiseled in the shape of a foot, at the base of the box or cartwheeling at the top of the roof. On the four walls, enameled peacocks display their trains amid contorted vine branches. The peacock, symbol of immortality, and the bunches of grapes, which allude to the passion of christ and the eucharist, are two motifs borrowed from paleo-christian art. The richness of the color which plays on the accords of reds and greens, the elegance of the arabesque-shaped lines make this box one of the most brilliant examples of “symbolist decorative art”. D. Mr. Themes / subjects / places represented: animal representation, peacock, vine, grapes, christian symbol mode of acquisition: purchase date of acquisition: 05–07–1899 institution: petit palais, museum of fine arts of the city of paris inventory number: ogal75. Date: En 1898.