Gilt Silver Neo Classical Incense Holder by Marie Joseph Gabriel Genu

An Exquisite Antique French Vermeil or Gilt Silver Pot Pourri or Incense Holder by Maître Orfèvre Marie Joseph Gabriel Genu.

This incredibly refined neoclassical-style Standing Cup, depicts a young Eros standing on a square plinth base, on which rests a low circular step decorated with stars. Both the Eros and the plinth are carved to perfection.
The Eros extends his arms and his chiseled vermeil wings to support an elaborately pierced and chiseled two handed cup.
The décor on the cup is magnificent, featuring masks and swans as well a floral scrolls.
The fineness of the design is balanced by the strength of the silver used, in order to resist the amount of piercing.
The effect is outstanding!
It can be used as a Pot Pourri holder or just as a decorative item.

The Hallmark is also quite lovely!
It shows the Poinçon au 1er Coq – Lettre A for Paris 1st title (950/1000) Silver 1796-1797

The Makers Mark is sumptuous and rare!
It shows the Makers Mark of Maître Orfèvre Marie Joseph Gabriel Genu.
Marie Joseph Gabriel Genu, first registered his Mark on December 31st 1788. He was sponsored as the time by Maître Orfèvre Antoine Guillemain.
He was also the son of another Maître Orfèvre, Jean François Genu.
In 1788 his workshop was registered Rue St Louis St Honoré, until the French Revolution.
Starting 1786 he is registered as being 24 Rue des Fossés St Germain L’Auxerrois.

Marie-Joseph-Gabriel Genu created master pieces for Napoleon the First and members of his imperial court, such as his foreign secretary Talleyrand, and for distinguished members of society.
Much of his work was produced in association with and for Martin-Guillaume Biennais, who, along with his rival Jean-Baptiste-Claude Odiot, was one of the favorite silversmiths of Napoleon’s court. However, Biennais was foremost a merchant and businessman who organized a team of craftsmen to meet the emperor’s insatiable appetite for quality silverware and furnishings.
He therefore needed to employ some of the finest artists of the time, among whom Marie Joseph Gabriel Genu was his most important collaborator.
Marie Joseph Gabriel Genu’s pieces can be found in several Museums of which the Musée de Arts Décoratif in Paris as well as in the Chateau de Fontainebleau.

France 18th Century c.H: 13"W: 7.88"D: 2.96"Reference number: CC-270