As part of the sale dedicated to antique paintings and drawings, historical souvenirs, furniture and objets d'art, PIASA auction house is offering for sale on Thursday, June, 4, 2020 a selection of silverware crafted by the most emblematic silversmiths of the first half of the 19th century by Martin-Guillaume Biennais (1764-1843).
Received as a master silversmith in Paris in 1788, Martin-Guillaume Biennais moved to rue Saint-Honoré where, enjoying the proximity of the Château des Tuileries, he remained throughout his career. He gradually extended his technique to cabinet making and then, from the Consulate period, to goldsmithing. His close relationship with Napoleon Bonaparte enabled him to obtain, as early as 1802, exclusive rights to supplies for the Emperor's table. He produced a very large number of pieces with imperial coat of arms, such as this silver plate with a palmette and net border offered for sale with an estimate of between 4,000 and 6,000 euros.
A french silver plate, of circular form and anthemion border, engraved with the imperial Coat of arms
Mark of Martin Guillaume Biennais, Paris, 1798 - 1809.
Diam : 9,44 in
Weight : 540 g. (19 oz)
Several coins with the arms of the Marshal of the Empire Joachim Murat - a heroic figure of the Empire - are also presented. Among them, this fork and large gilt vermeil spoon decorated with palmettes and horns of plenty bear the hallmark of Pierre Benoit Lorillon. This goldsmith was received as Master the same year as Biennais. In addition to these two pieces, there is a fruit knife, also in vermeil. The low estimate for this set of three pieces was established at 3,000 euros.
A french silver gilt spoon and fork, decorated with anthemion and engraved with the Coat of arm of Joachim Murat, Grand Duke of Berg.
Mark of Pierre Benoit Lorillon, Paris, 1809 - 1819
High : 3,5 in
Weight : 113 g. (3,9 oz)
The arms of the Murat family can also be found on this golden signet ring decorated with an oval amethyst. On the ring of this ring, estimated at between 4 000 and 6 000 euros, is a vegetal decoration of vine leaves and grapes.
An amethyst and gold signet ring, circa 1820.
The stone engraved with the Coat of arm of Murat family, shoulders decorated with grapevine and foliage.
Stone dimension : 20 x 14 mm
Weight : 8,8 g. (0,31 oz)
The silver goblet that Louis Jacques Berger made for General Jean-Baptiste Lecat de Bazancourt reflects the meticulous work of its author. It is estimated at between 2,000 and 3,000 euros.
A french silver beaker, engraved on one side of the imperial Coat of arms and on the other side, the Coat of arms of Jean-Baptiste Lecat de Bazancourt.
Mark of Louis Jacques Berger, Paris, 1809 - 1819.
High : 3,1 in
Weight : 90 g. (3,1 oz)
This session highlights the French goldsmith's art which, in the first part of the 19th century, fuelled by ambitious orders from the Emperor and his family, was experiencing a veritable golden age.
