Gorgeous Cupid Themed Antique Silver Drageoir By Garreau~Sold~

An absolutely Gorgeous Antique French Silver And Crystal ‘Drageoir’ by ‘Maitre Orfèvre’ Denis GARREAU, widely known for his work which is particularly refined and detailed and more particularly for his Drageoirs.
In France we call them ‘Drageoir’ or ‘Confiturier’, but the only official name is a ‘Confiturier’ (Hence a Jam container), and it turns out that originally they were only thought of, and used, as Ceremonial Sugar Bowls.

The ‘Medicis’ vase shaped body has 4 figural ‘Tableaux’ showing Cupid holding a flaming torch –while riding astride gorgeously rendered dog,
his quiver and arrows strapped to his back.
The ‘tableaux’ alternate with oak and laurel branches, while the handles show a smaller version of cupid’s dog…
The Dog of course signifies ‘Fidelity’ while the flaming torch hints to ‘burning love’…

The upper and lower register of the body show delicate geometric designs.
The pedestal is decorated with papyrus and lotus leaves and rests on 4 silver pearls.

The cover’s Frétel (or Finial) is in the form of a lovely Swan.

The bowl insert is white crystal with facettes, it is original and in perfect condition.
An absolutely gorgeous work of art!

The Hallmark is Michael Angelo -1st title – Hence 1819 -1838 – Paris

The Makers Mark is that of Denis GARREAU. It shows a D and a G topped by a ‘Navette’ (or boat)
Garreau was the successor of Ambroise MIGNEROT and specialized in larger decorational pieces (called in French Pieces De Forme), particularly “Drageoirs” and Condiment sets.
His mark was created in 1817. His workshop was located at 62 Rue du Temple in what is today the Marais area of Paris.
He would later turn over his workshop to A Courtois.

H: 10.62"W: 5.11 / L 7.87"D: 4.72"Reference number: D-144