ANTIQUE 19thC FRENCH EMPIRE SOLID SILVER CONFITURIER & TWELVE SPOONS SET c.1800

Antique early 19th Century French Empire solid silver confiturier, created in the distinctive ‘Retour d’Égypte’ style that emerged in France following Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign. Finely cast winged sphinx figures support the pierced gallery, one of the defining features of this highly recognisable design movement. Anthemion borders, Greek key decoration, and classical detailing throughout reflect the strong influence of antiquity on Empire period decorative arts.

The domed cover, surmounted by a pinecone finial, continues the classical theme, while the fitted set of twelve silver gilt spoons provides a rich contrast against the silver surface. The confiturier was made in Paris by the silversmith Augustin Desnoyers-Hubert in 1805, accompanied by a matching set of twelve silver gilt spoons by Jean-Joseph Rivet, dating to 1825.

Hallmarked French silver (950 Standard).

Reference Number: N12170