41 - JEAN DESPRÉS (1889–1980)

JEAN DESPRÉS (1889–1980) “Demi-sphères & Cercles rompus,” our piece exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs, Paris, 1937 An exceptional modernist hinged bracelet forming a square cuff; in silver, yellow gold, and rose gold. The clasp, the fixed extension cylinders at the ends, and the three concave silver mounting plates—the five cylinders forming separation hinges in silver and rose gold. Each plate holds an onyx setting that accommodates a broken circle in yellow gold, embellished with a smooth, silver half-sphere. With two strands of hair on one of the onyx plates, the bracelet was slightly enlarged by the artist through the addition of the two fixed silver cylinders and the reduction of one of the two parts of the clasp to preserve symmetry. Signed “J. DESPRÉS” at the tip on the reverse of the central plate and bears, on two occasions, a Master Goldsmith’s hallmark (without initials or a distinctive mark) and the guarantee hallmark on the edge of one of the plates. Total length: 19.2 cm Gross weight: 192.6 g Exhibition: Salon des Artistes Décorateurs, Paris, 1937 – Our piece was exhibited at this event. Bibliography: Melissa Gabardi – Jean Després: Jeweler and Goldsmith in Art Deco and Modernity – Éditions Norma, Paris, 2000. Our piece is reproduced on page 175.