18th-Century Parisian

Some of the most beautiful and refined decorative objects ever made were created in Paris during the 18th century.  Georges-Antoine Croze (active 1790) became a master goldsmith in 1777 and established a workshop in Paris, where he specialized in small luxury objects for an elite clientele, including members of the French royal court.  His delicately detailed gold and enamel boxes are notable for their finely painted portraits and rich jewel tones. 

The Museum’s collection includes an exquisite étui (Paris, 1785-86) – a small ornamental case for carrying personal items, such as scissors or tweezers – bearing Croze’s maker’s mark.  This superbly created étui, translucent blue enamel with a decorative gold scale pattern bordered by gold foliage in relief, was originally used to hold sealing wax.  Documents sealed with a wax stamp bearing the writer’s crest or coat-of-arms were especially valued in a time when all correspondence was hand-carried.  This pen, crafted of gold plating and lacquer, is developed from the original 18th-century étui.