332 - RARE MASTER CARPENTER'S STAIRCASE

RARE MASTER CARPENTER'S STAIRCASE French-curve walnut master staircase with half-moon curve, wide openwork stringers running in a single piece and secured by a series of reduced lag bolts, supported by an overhanging first step and two classical supporting columns. Resting on a semicircular chamfered base that follows the movement of the flight of steps. Nancy, 1909. By Jules Clément, journeyman carpenter. H. 47 x W. 60 x D. 60 cm. ATTACHED is the medal awarded to journeyman Jules Clément at the 1909 Eastern France International Exhibition. Provenance Henri Klinger Collection. History After several years of apprenticeship or training with a master craftsman, the future journeymen undertook a Tour de France, during which they acquired new technical knowledge and developed their professional experience. This tour generally ended with the creation of a masterpiece, which had to be validated by a jury. Once accepted, the young aspirant was consecrated and recognized in his profession, and awarded the title of Compagnon du Tour de France. The master staircases and other masterpieces presented in this section are the result of this process, and their wide variety allows us to appreciate the exceptional quality of execution and presentation of these creations.