Footnotes

• This pendant depicts the Greek goddess Artemis; protector of the wilderness,
  hunting, wild animals, childbirth and the girl child to the age of marriage.
  Spirited and independent, she is posed with her bow, arrows, and quiver in
  a mythical landscape. Interestingly this theme pays homage to that of the
  changing role of women in society near the turn of the century.
  
  Some of the finest French art nouveau jewelry was made by the house of
  Vever. In 1821, Pierre Vever opened his shop in Metz, France. Business
  flourished as they acquired notable clientele from the surrounding
  provinces and other countries. In 1848, the business was handed down
  to Ernest Vever, Pierre's son. Like his father before him, Ernest continued
  to employ the most skilled craftsman to produce notable jewels with
  an emphasis on ancient revival styles. In 1871 the family relocated to
  Paris, purchasing the firm of Bangrand at 19, rue de la Paix. Ernest Vever
  exhibited at, and was a member of the jury for the 1878 Exposition
  Universelle. While an apprentice, Ernest's son Henri, an excellent artist and
  craftsman, studied at L'Ecole des Art Décoratifs and Ecole des Beaux-Art.
  
  In 1881, Henri and his brother Paul assumed control of Maison Vever. Much
  of their jewelry was constructed of gold, accented with precious stones and
  decorated with enamel. These Art Nouveau creations featured sensuous
  female forms, flora, fauna, and mystical creatures. In addition to the works
  designed by themselves, Henri and Paul worked with many other Parisian
  designers and manufacturers including René Lalique, Léopold Gautrait and
  Eugène Grasset.
  
  Recognized for excellence, Vever received many accolades including a
  grand prix at the 1889 Exposition Universalle, 1897 Brussels International
  Exhibition, 1900 Exposition Universalle. Paul Vever died in 1915, and Henri
  assumed sole control of the family business until he retired in 1921.
  Henri Vever, an avid historian, wrote an extraordinarily comprehensive
  compendium documenting the history of French jewelry in the 19th
  century. He included sketches, photographs and discussions of works by
  well known and more obscure jewelers of the era, as well as fashion and
  technical information. Vever was a passionate collector of fine European,
  Japanese and Islamic art. Many of these foreign cultural sensibilities served
  as an inspiration and are represented in his creative jewelry design.

Lot heading

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Category: Jewellery

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