Paris c. 1840 - Solid silver salad servers by Jean-François VEYRAT, Louis-Philippe period

Pair of salerons in solid silver 950/1000 with neo-Gothic historicist décor from the Louis-Philippe period.
Each is composed of two shell-shaped dishes, partially gilded on the inside, resting on an oval tray with four molded and carved feet. The cups, with gadroons and pearl motifs, are screwed to the tray by means of silver nuts. Each set is topped by an openwork handle. The edges of the tray, like the handles, are decorated in relief with cut-out leathers and trompe-l'œil stylized gems.
The feet have a molded base underlined by stylized cartouches, forming a cut-out profile with facing scrolls in a masterful Rocaille style.
The set is complete with its four nuts.
Marks :

Minerve 1st title (solid silver 950/1000);
Boar's head;
Master gilder: Veyrat in all letters, one star above, one star below.

Weight: 182 grams.
Louis-Philippe period, circa 1840.
Condition report: Very good overall condition, some old restorations.

This pair of salerons illustrates the Parisian ornamental production of the years 1835-1845, characterized by a reinterpretation of past styles in a refined historicist taste.
The decoration of cut leathers and stylized gems, applied to a double saleron shape inherited from the XVIIIᵉ century, is part of the neo-Gothic repertoire then found in table silverware, liturgical objects and metal arts. Although belonging to the category of so-called "light" silverware according to the classifications of the XIXᵉ century, this piece testifies to the meticulous execution and decorative richness sought after by an enlightened clientele.

JEAN-FRANÇOIS VEYRAT
Goldsmith in Paris active between 1832 and 1840.
Jean-François VEYRAT began his career in 1815 by making silver-plated objects, before devoting himself, from 1830 onwards, to solid silver silversmithing. Awarded the title of Master in 1832, he established his workshop at 10, rue de la Tour in Paris. He exhibited regularly at the Expositions des produits de l'industrie française, winning silver medals in 1834 and 1839.
His works, in both classical and historicist styles, are distinguished by their finesse of execution and elegance. In 1840, he joined forces with his son, Augustin Pierre Adolphe VEYRAT, and the workshop became VEYRAT & Fils, then VEYRAT Fils from 1849.
Jean-François VEYRAT occupies an important place in 19th-century Parisian silversmithing. Around 1867, he was considered to be at the head of one of the largest establishments in Paris, in terms of layout and number of workers[1].
He was appointed judge at the Commercial Court, vice-president of the Chambre syndicale de la Bijouterie et de l'Orfèvrerie, and Officer of the Academy in 1874.

[1] Ducuing François, L'Exposition Universelle de 1867 illustrée, Paris, 1867.

MUSEUMS, PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS AND LISTED OBJECTS

MUSÉE D'ORSAY, PARIS, Légumier, silver gilt and enamel, Paris, 1855-1860, inv. RF-MO-OAO2015-5-1.
MUSÉE DES ARTS DÉCORATIFS, BORDEAUX, Plat (rond), pair, silver, Paris, 1832-1838, inv. 16013; 16014.
MUSÉE DES ARTS DÉCORATIFS, BORDEAUX, Sugar bowl, silver, Paris, 1819-1838, inv. 16042; 3182.
MUSÉE DES ARTS DÉCORATIFS, BORDEAUX, Coffee pot, silver, Paris, 1832-1838, inv. 16043; 3184.
MUSÉE NATIONAL MAGNIN, DIJON, Huilier, silver, crystal, gold, Paris, 1840-1849, inv. 1938ORF7.
MUSÉE DES ARTS DE LA TABLE, ABBAYE DE BELLEPERCHE, Ramasse couvert, silver-lined copper, Paris, 1831-1840, inv. 2020.4.1.
SAINT-MICHEL PARISH CHURCH, LIFFRÉ, Baptismal shell, silver, Paris, 1832-1838.

EXHIBITIONS

MUSÉE DES ARTS DÉCORATIFS DE BORDEAUX, Permanence de l'orfèvrerie française argenterie bordelaise, April 10-June 8, 1987.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

ARMINJON C., BEAUPUIS J., BILIMOFF M., Dictionnaire des poinçons de fabricants d'ouvrages d'or et d'argent, Paris, 1798-1838, Cahiers de l'Inventaire, Imprimerie Nationale Éditions, 1991.
ARMINJON C., BEAUPUIS J., BILIMOFF M., Dictionnaire des poinçons de fabricants d'ouvrages d'or et d'argent, Paris, 1838-1875, Cahiers de l'Inventaire, Imprimerie Nationale Éditions, 1991.
AZUR J. A., Almanach de la fabrique de Paris, suite à l'almanach des fabricants travaillant en matière d'or, d'argent et autres métaux, Paris, 1833.
DION-TENNENBAUM Anne, Orfèvrerie française du XIXe siècle - La collection du musée du Louvre, Somogy Éditions d'Art, Paris 2011
DUCUING François, L'Exposition Universelle de 1867 illustrée, Paris, 1867.
JULIA DE FONTENELLE Jean-Sébastien-Eugène, Manuel complet du bijoutier, du joaillier, de l'orfèvre, du graveur sur métaux et du changeur, Paris, Roret, 1832.
MESNARD Jules, Les Merveilles de l'Exposition Universelle de 1867, Paris, Lahure, 1867.
PASQUIER (du) J.(Dir.), RAIGNAC (de) V. (collab.), ARMINJON C., BOYE M., GRUBER A., Orfèvrerie, Catalogue des collections des XVIII° et XIX° siècles, produced for the 'Permanence de l'orfèvrerie français' exhibition.

Ref: 0HQACUX0N7