339 - BEAUTIFUL MASTER'S MODEL OF A JOURNEYMAN CARPENTER WITH TWO MODELS OF SPIRAL STAIRCASES

BEAUTIFUL MASTER'S MODEL OF A JOURNEYMAN CARPENTER WITH TWO MODELS OF SPIRAL STAIRCASES The two French walnut spiral flights with five treads, each built on an overhanging step, one with a scrolled start, the other with a carved start. Resting on a wide rectangular base with contoured and molded oak edge. The two staircases frame the triangle and the square, companion emblems, in a crown of palms and laurel leaves, a palm won at the Carpenter Trade Show in 1902. Île-de-France, 1902. H. 11 x W. 45 x D. 19 cm. 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.