2 - Jean-Louis III IMLIN (1722–1768), certified as a Master Goldsmith in 1748 in Strasbourg, (attributed to)

Jean-Louis III IMLIN (1722–1768), certified as a Master Goldsmith in 1748 in Strasbourg, (attributed to) Important vermeil travel set comprising: Two goblets Two knives Two forks Two large spoons Two dessert spoons One small spoon with a scoop In its original red leather and velvet case, with the initials “FM” embossed and gilded on the leather. Louis XV period H_28 cm W_13.5 cm D_8 cm IMLIN workshop hallmark: written out in full within a rectangle Guild hallmark: double crowned “B” Fine silver hallmark: the number “13” beneath a closed crown Note that the smaller of the two goblets lacks the IMLIN hallmark and bears another master’s hallmark with the initials “NC,” the charge mark “A,” and a “P” mark. Coat of arms with two shields, symbolizing the union of two great noble houses of Alsace in the 18th century. The IMLIN family ranks among the great dynasties of goldsmiths who shaped the artistic history of Strasbourg in the 18th century. Descended from a family originally from Württemberg, it gradually established itself as one of the most prestigious names in Strasbourg silversmithing, passing down exceptional craftsmanship from generation to generation. Through their creations, the IMLINs played a full part in the golden age of Alsatian decorative arts. Their work, primarily crafted in silver and vermeil, is distinguished by the finesse of its craftsmanship, the richness of its ornamentation, and the elegance of its forms. Bowls, goblets, serving pieces, liturgical objects, and travel sets attest to remarkable technical mastery, as well as a genuine artistic sensibility, blending French and Germanic influences. What particularly sets the IMLIN family apart is their ability to align their art with the major aesthetic trends of their time, moving from the elegance of the Regency period to the refined curves of the Rocaille style, and then to the clean lines of Neoclassicism. Their clientele, comprising Strasbourg dignitaries and prominent French and German aristocratic families, attests to the influence of their workshops far beyond the borders of Alsace. Related work: A travel set very similar to ours but smaller in size, made of vermeil and in its case, by Jean-Louis III IMLIN, was sold at the “Important European Silver, Gold Boxes & Vertu" auction on November 15, 1993 (lot 117) at Sotheby’s Geneva, with the following estimate: 25,000–35,000 euros. Suggested Bibliography: Hans HAUG, *Strasbourg Silverwork in French Public Collections*, Éditions des Musées Nationaux, Palais du Louvre, 1978 Étienne Martin, Two Centuries of Silverwork in Strasbourg: 17th–18th Centuries, Éditions des Musées de la Ville de Strasbourg, 2004