Profiles Napoleon Joséphine Desprez Empire Crystal-ceramic Miniature 19th

Crystal-ceramic* portrait representing the profile of the Emperor Napoleon and his wife Joséphine, signed "Desprez** rue des Récolets n°9 Paris", from the 1st Empire period at the beginning of the 19th century. This cameo is in good condition as is its frame. Signed on the back of the cameo, see photos. Note: crack in the top of the frame, wear and tear over time, see photos. _________________________________ * Crystal ceramic is a glass decoration technique which was created towards the end of the 18th century. It consists of including in a crystal object a ceramic cameo which has been previously molded then finely chiseled by hand. (Cf ProAntic) ** Under the Restoration, the fashion for cameos was in full swing. Barthélemy Despréz, established on rue des Récollets around 1793, specialized in the manufacture of porcelain cameos inlaid in crystal, which he sold to other porcelain merchants (such as the Darte brothers). Before founding his own factory, Despréz had been first sculptor then head of paste at the Sèvres factory, which he left around 1792. Active 1780-1806. Frame: 12.4 cm x 12.6 cm Diameter: view 6.4 cm Reference: E60 878 All photos are on: www.antiques-delaval.com