René Lalique (French 1860-1945) ‡◆
CARAVELLE TABLE CENTREPIECE, DECORATED WITH COLONY OF SEAGULLS
£75,200
Auction: 27 October 2022 at 14:00 BST
Description
designed 1938
clear, frosted with a hint of grey staining, engraved with 3 birds on the front and 10 birds to the reverse, the rigging also engraved, nickel-plated illuminating mount
wheel-engraved R. LALIQUE
Dimensions
47.7cm (18 3/4in) high, 72.3cm (28 1/2in) long, 14.5cm (5 3/4in) deep overall
Footnote
Literature:
Marcilhac, F., René Lalique 1860-1945 Mâitre-verrier, Analyse et Catalogue Raisonné de L'Œuvre de Verre, Paris, 2011, p. 151 (variant example gifted to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth photographed).
Note:
Surtout de tables or ornamental centrepieces were an essential part of formal dining from the second half of the 18th Century and throughout the 19th Century. The design with the seagulls was created for the visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to Paris in 1938 and was part of a large dinner service also featuring seagulls. The Caravelle centrepiece had been designed in 1931 but the seagulls were added for the gift. The galleon is an emblem on the coat of arms of Paris. The Royal visit was intended to take place on 29 June but the Queen's mother died so it was postponed until July. Only two other examples are known to exist - a version held in the Musée Lalique Collection and one in the Royal Collection, UK.
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