Paris, C. 1880 – Important Silver-plated Tray By The Silversmith Armand Frénais

Stunning rectangular silver-plated tray by the Parisian silversmith Armand FRÉNAIS. 
The tray features a moulded rim adorned with a delicate frieze of pearls. Its two large side handles in Neo-Renaissance style are richly pierced and decorated with chased motifs in reserve, including a frieze alternating pearls and laurel leaves on an amati background.

The central part of the tray showcases a flourishing, symmetrical floral design, featuring roses, fuchsias, intertwined foliage, all gathered by a delicately pleated ribbon knot. The entire composition frames an oval medallion encircled by a stylized buckle belt, depicted with a trompe-l'œil effect, a motif drawn from heraldic vocabulary. At its center is the intertwined gothic monogram "CA," enriched with lozenge patterns and serifs. The medallion is topped with a foliated rosette and underscored by a vegetal base.

Maker mark.

Dimensions

• Height: 47.8 cm
• Length: 74.8 cm
  

Paris, circa 1890.

Condition Report:
Some minor surface scratches from use, very good condition of the plating, superb craftsmanship.

Exceptional quality of engraving and shading in the central scene, executed with remarkable modeling, making this decoration a true engraved painting.

ARMAND FRÉNAIS
Silversmith in Paris, registered in 1877

Active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Armand FRÉNAIS is one of the most representative Parisian silversmiths bridging the gap between historicism and modernity. Established at 77 Boulevard Richard-Lenoir, he registered his hallmark in 1877, identifiable by the initials "A.F." surrounding an anchor, a symbol often associated with high-quality silver-plated metal.

Specializing in tableware, Armand FRÉNAIS mastered traditional 18th-century forms while incorporating decorative influences from the late 19th century.

His varied repertoire first follows the grand tradition of Louis XV, Louis XVI, and Renaissance styles, with a preference for functional pieces with elegant lines and precise chasing. He then adapted to contemporary trends, including Art Nouveau, while maintaining the exceptional execution that earned the reputation of Parisian houses.

The firm exhibited at the 1878, 1889, 1890, and 1900 Universal Expositions in Paris, where it was regularly awarded.

Highly regarded for the execution quality of his pieces, virtuoso chasing, and the balance of his compositions, FRÉNAIS catered to a cultured clientele that valued both the distinction of forms and the longevity of their use. His works embody the Parisian taste of the Belle Époque, in its most measured, stable, and sometimes even aristocratic form.

His production, now highly sought after by collectors, showcases the discreet refinement that defines the great Parisian silversmithing at the turn of the century. A notable example is a superb silver-plated and gilt bronze centerpiece, sold at Christie's Paris^[1].

^{[1] Christie’s, Le goût français – Arts décoratifs du XIIIe au XIXe siècle, Paris 23 avril 2023 – lot 563 : Surtout de table en bronze argenté et doré par Armand FRENAIS, Paris, vers 1890. Est. 8 000-12 000 € ; adj. 11 250 €.}


BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Almanach Azur, 1889
• ALLAN David, Le couvert et la coutellerie de table française du XIXe siècle, Paris, Faton, 2007
• BOUILHET Henri, L’orfèvrerie française du XIXe siècle, Paris, 1908
• HOUZE Méatrice and Michel, L’orfèvrerie française du XIXe siècle, Paris, Flammarion, 1980
• NIKOGOSYAN David N., Armand Frenais Silversmith Company: A Rival of Christofle, Silver Magazine 48, July/August 2016.