Over 180 original sketches, studies, and watercolors of designs for enamel boxes and cases. Various sizes, the largest approximately 9 1/4 x 6 1/8 inches, most smaller. Some scattered dust-staining, creasing, age and handling wear, light toning, overall very good. [Paris], circa 1890-1910.

Théophile Soyer (1853-1940) was an important French Art Nouveau enamel artist who learned his craft from his father, Paul Soyer, before joining the École des Beaux-Arts. He studied under Eugène Levasseur and Adolphe Yvon, then began working with enamel in the Paris suburb of Courbevoie before joining and then taking over his father's workshop. He exhibited for the first time at the 1870 Salon, and then at many subsequent salons and world's fairs. He won a silver medal for his work at the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris and a gold medal at the 1900 event.

This beautiful collection of original designs by Soyer comprises approximately 182 total drawings, sketches, and documents related to the creation and design of enameled boxes and cases. Dating to approximately the 1890s through the 1910s, these designs and documents can be roughly divided into four groups.

The first group includes designs for round boxes. Comprised of 74 individual items on various paper and card stock, this grouping includes working documents, detail studies, ink and pencil sketches, partially colored designs, and full-color watercolors. Several of the sketches bear the red rubber stamp for "Soyer Peintre-Émailleur, Paris, 38 Rue de Bondy". Some highlights include: a partially watercolored detail study of an ornamental border design in "bleu de roi" with the rest done in gold, priced at 400 F; a box for 200F with a blue enamel center and frieze background with white enamel dots; a watercolored design of an urn with flowers and vines; several studies of two-colored stripe patterns; geometric designs; and a design for a gilt silver box valued at 250F.

The second group contains 14 sketches and studies for border designs on various paper stock. As with the first group, they are a mix regarding level of completion, but many of these drawings are fully watercolored. There are studies of geometric and botanical ornament and border designs, in various sizes and level of detail. The largest design shows a top-down view as well as a side view and a close-up of a floral motif with leaves, scrolls, and tulips, for a box priced at 400F.

The third group is a small collection of drawings and studies for perfume and card cases and other mostly rectangular boxes. Comprised of approximately 30 sketches and studies on various paper stock, a few of these bear the same red rubber stamp as the first group. Of particular note in this grouping is: a light gray-blue perfume caddy with floral design priced at 350F; several card cases done in guilloche; and some beautiful blue cases of various types.

The final grouping is designs for mostly oval and octagonal boxes. It comprises 64 total sketches and studies on various paper stock, some pencil or ink sketches and some full watercolors, and a few with Soyer rubber stamps, including such highlights as: a watercolor design for a gilt-silver box with patterned sides and small floral motifs done in relief, valued at 200F; a sweet pink oval box with opal dots and yellow borders; several watercolor designs of hexagonal boxes with six-pointed star motifs to the lids; and a number of black and white studies.

Book ID: 53685

Price: $4,500.00