Etruscan Revival 18kt Gold and Enamel Pendant, Eugene Fontenay

Description:

Etruscan Revival 18kt Gold and Enamel Pendant, Eugene Fontenay, c. 1860s, depicting Eos in her saffron robes scattering dawn light in a cloudy night sky, framed by rose-cut diamonds, applied bead, wirework, and floret accents, lg. 2 3/4 in., French guarantee stamps and maker's mark.

Note: The matte enamel depiction is typical of the work of the miniaturist and enamellist Eugene Richet, who produced a series of mythological subjects for Fontenay in the 1860s. See The Master Jewellers, A. Kenneth Snowman, ed., p. 35 and Bijouterie Francaise au XIX.e Siecle, by Henri Viver, Second Empire, vol. II, Plate 12. See lot 495 for further reference.
Estimate $3,000-5,000

without significant condition issues
face of figure half obscured by arm and robes
some very slight separation of wirework from frame of central oval, loupe visible only
some minute black dots to the light colored enamel of the goddess figure, only visible under loupe, from the making
slight separation of ring connecting lower element, should be secured
on the lower element, the applied beads are slightly unevenly placed

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