336 - A master staircase known as a “French-style balanced staircase,”

A master staircase known as a “French-style balanced staircase,” made of walnut, with an inner spiral flight and an outer flight with a double right-angle turn, adorned with an elegant balustrade featuring turned balusters, resting on a rectangular base. France, 1887. Signed and dated on the reverse “Marc Ravenet / 1887”. H. 42.5 x W. 19 x D. 30 cm. Included is the copper Medal of Merit awarded to journeyman Marc Ravenet at the 9th Exhibition of the Union Centrale des Arts Décoratifs in 1887. Diameter: 5.2 cm. Provenance Henri Klinger Collection. History After several years of apprenticeship or training with 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 Tour typically culminated in the creation of a masterpiece that had to be approved by a jury. Once accepted, the young aspirant was established and recognized in his profession and received the title of Compagnon du Tour de France. The master 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.