334 - A master carpenter’s staircase,

A master carpenter’s staircase, known as the “Saint Gilles spiral,” made of walnut, with two turned and ornate balusters supporting a turned railing adorned with a handrail; the radiating steps form a complete circle, resting on a wide, chamfered circular base Tours, circa 1925. H. 41 x D. 25.5 cm. Included is the medal of honor, in gilded bronze with enamel, with a ribbon, awarded to the journeyman at an exhibition in Tours dedicated to industry and crafts in the 1920s. W. 6 cm (medal). Provenance Henri Klinger Collection. History After several years of apprenticeship or training under a master craftsman, the future journeyman would undertake a Tour de France during which he could acquire new technical skills and gain professional experience. This journey typically culminated in the creation of a masterpiece that had to be approved by a jury. Once accepted, the young aspirant was recognized as a master in his profession and awarded the title of Compagnon du Tour de France. The master’s staircases and other masterpieces presented in this section stem from this tradition, and their wide variety allows visitors to appreciate the exceptional quality of craftsmanship and presentation in these works.