7 - French work from the second half of the 19th century, by enamel artist Alfred MEYER

French work from the second half of the 19th century, by enamel artist Alfred MEYER Circular medallion in 750‰ rose gold and 800‰ silver, decorated with a scene in grisaille and gold enamel on a copper background depicting a winged young woman playing with a dog; the border is set with rose-cut diamonds. Signed “A. MEYER.” Later setting and chain in 800‰ silver with filed cable links and a spring clasp. Motif diameter: 2.1 cm. Chain length: 45 cm. Gross weight: 8.7 g. (Alterations and soldering; slight scratches on the enamel). French painter and enamel artist Alfred MEYER (1832–1904) received awards for his numerous entries in the World’s Fairs and international exhibitions of the second half of the 19th century. After making a name for himself in the fields of decorative arts and painting, he was sought after by major innovative jewelry houses—such as Baugrand, Boucheron, Falize, Froment-Meurice, Sandoz, and Vever—which incorporated his enamels into their jewelry designs. Inspired by the Renaissance and the art of cameos, his grisaille works are particularly noteworthy. A recognized expert in the art of enameling, he also taught at the École Bernard Palissy and published *L’Art de l’émail de Limoges ancien et moderne* in 1895. Bibliography: Collective work edited by Marguerite de CERVAL, *Dictionnaire international du Bijou*, Editions du Regard, Paris, 1998.