Ref.14917
Pear in a Carafe Offered to President Sadi Carnot at the 1889 Universal Exhibition

This pear, preserved in a carafe of brandy, is a memento from the 1889 World’s Fair. It was presented to the President of the Republic at the time, Sadi Carnot, on this occasion. This pear in a carafe follows the traditional production of a particularly high-quality pear brandy. The first step occurs after the pear trees bloom: a bottle is placed over the pear, while it is still an embryo, a delicate and crucial step for the success of the operation. In August, when the pears reach maturity, the fruits and bottles are harvested. The bottles are then filled with alcohol, so the pear absorbs it; afterwards, the alcohol is removed and replaced with pear brandy. This pear in a carafe is over 130 years old. It is exceptional due to its longevity, but also because of the inscription that is still perfectly legible on the fruit. Indeed, this inscription had to be made before the pear was placed in the carafe, when it was only a few centimeters in size. It indicates the prestigious destination of this item: “Souvenir / de / L'Exposition Universelle / de / Paris 1889 / Mr Carnot President / de la / République française” (Souvenir of the 1889 Paris World’s Fair, Mr Carnot, President of the French Republic). Thus, this pear brandy carafe was presented to Sadi Carnot (1837-1894). After brilliant studies, Carnot became an engineer before engaging in the political life of his time. He was elected President of the Republic in 1887; the 1889 World’s Fair is one of the significant events of his term. He was assassinated by an Italian anarchist in 1894. Due to its origin and exceptional preservation, this pear in a carafe is therefore a historical object of prime importance.

Ref.15390
H&F Paris, Cartel with Four Espagnolette Figures, 19th Century

This cartel in wood and gilded bronze was crafted by the clockmaker H&F Paris in the 19th century. While its shape is inspired by Louis XV clocks, its rich gilded bronze decoration features many ornamental characteristics of the Louis XIV style. Trapezoidal in shape, it rests on four sculpted feet shaped like lion paws, topped with scrolls whose elegant curves culminate in finely drawn espagnolette figures. The central part is adorned with gilded bronze arabesques that stand out against the darker hue of the wood. At the top, the dial is composed of enameled plates. The crowning feature is a pedestal ending in a wooden cassolette set into a gilded bronze mount. The richness of the ornamentation, the symmetry that characterizes the piece, and the interplay of materials are inspired by the furniture and decorative arts of the Louis XIV era. However, its shape resembles that of a cartel by Jean Moisy, made of bronze and vernis Martin under the reign of Louis XV, now housed in the Mobilier National. This clock is thus characteristic of both the 19th century’s interest in historical styles and the syncretism that permeates the decorative arts of the time.