We've just bought the collection of a longtime good customer, and will have 31 pieces in all listing soon. Each sold separately. The term, "eglomise" refers to a decorative technique of painting on the backside of glass. These are each little works of art. The collection varies from c.1830-1890. Will describe each as listed:
A very early Grand Tour souvenir, dating c.1830s, this one is set with 5 back-painted (eglomise) views of Paris architectural views. The body of the raised inkwell or candle or scent container has 4 and the lid is set with the 5th. Hinged and with a working clasp, this unique form rests on a fully intact original plinth of alabaster. It's definitely got age but remains without any chips nor breaks at all. The views are of the Medici Palace with French flag up top, the Arc Triomphe, Bastille, and a unique aerial view of the Concord, fountains and Tuileries Palace with the Madeleine in distance and beyond it, an empty hill that would later hold the Sacre Coeur. On top, the panel is the Medici Palace in a different view.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. All of the charming eglomise souvenir panels are fully intact, no chips and no cracks. There's a slight looseness to the alabaster base, but both wire prongs are intact as you can see. There is old polish in recesses, but we don't like to clean these up much since it risks causing moisture to collect on the painted undersides of the eglomise and so we're leaving it. (A little time with a super-soft child's toothbrush will brush it out without moisture, in case you wish to clear it away a bit more). Measurements are noted on photos.
