François Désiré Froment Meurice l'Harmonie Silver Brooch

Antique brooch in gold, silver and blue enamel representing Saint Cecilia, playing the viol and surrounded by angels, in a Renaissance style architecture.
The saint, standing on a scallop shell, evokes Venus emerging from the waves.
This jewel is very representative of historicism in vogue around 1850.
This brooch is an emblematic model of the goldsmith François Désiré Froment Meurice (1801-1855), a similar example is reproduced in volume 1 of La Bijouterie Française in the 19th century by Henri Vever p. 158.
Froment Meurice is one of the most famous goldsmiths of his time. Victor Hugo, who was one of his friends and held him in high esteem, dedicated a poem to him in which he compared him to Benvenuto Cellini. A fine example of romantic jewellery.

• Brooch in silver, gold and blue enamel.
• Period: France circa 1847. Signed Froment Meurice on the reverse
• Dimensions of the jewel: approximately 50 X 40 mm
• Weight of the jewel: approximately 35.05 grams
• A few small enamel chips. Some beads have been replaced.
• Jewel selected and checked by an FGA gemologist
• Delivered in a pouch with invoice and description of the jewel.
• Do not hesitate to contact me, I will be happy to give you the best advice.

Brooch reference in Henri Vever's 19th century book on Gallica (page 158): https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k63791089