A Limoges style Enamel Stickpin by Grandhomme
in the form of an oval enamel panel, depicting a dancing satyr, holding a staff and a drinking vessel.
The enamel panel has then been set into a plain gold surround.
French, circa 1880
In classical mythology, the satyrs were the companions to two key figures. They followed Dionysus, the god of wine and pleasure and Pan,
the mischievous god famed for his sexual potency and base physical attraction. As a result, to wear this stickpin indicates that you too are a
follower of Dionysus and Pan and therefore, a lover of life and pleasure.
Paul Grandhomme was recognised by his contemporaries as a master enameller, his work compared to the finest Renaissance Limoges enamellers, in whose tradition
he worked. He was inspired by the famous enameller, Claudius Popelin, to experiment with enamelling techniques and mastered the Limoges style of enamelling, choosing a brown or
black background to his enamels, which give them a luminous quality. He supplied many of the great French jewellery firms, such as Falize and Boucheron. For Falize in particular,
Grandhomme contributed to many important works which included exhibition pieces, as well as two extraordinary portraits of Alexis and Lucien Falize
(depicted in 'Falize: A Dynasty of Jewelers,' page 179).
The example above is a good representative piece, as it combines many of Grandhomme's characteristic techniques.
£1800
For additional information regarding the above piece please contact Wartski