Martin Guillaume Biennais' Empire

Published on 21 January 2022, by Sophie Reyssat

Auction on 12 March 2022 - 10:00 (CET) - 9-11, rue Royale - 77300 Fontainebleau

Napoleon I's goldsmith created this vermeil ewer and basin for Joachim Murat, based on a design by Charles Percier.

Martin Guillaume Biennais, first Empire, c. 1809, ewer and basin in vermeil with... Martin Guillaume Biennais' Empire

Martin Guillaume Biennais, first Empire, c. 1809, ewer and basin in vermeil with the arms of Joachim Murat, King of Naples, standard mark 950 Coq 1, medium guarantee, Biennais goldsmith's mark with monkey, the signature "Biennais Goldsmith de LL MM Impériales et Royales et de Sa Majesté le Roi de Hollande à Paris"; ewer: 41 x 20 cm/16.1 x 7.9 in., net weight 2842 g/100.3 oz, basin 22 x 51 cm/8.7 x 20 in., net weight 4486 g/158.2 oz.
Estimate: €120,000/150,000

Martin Guillaume Biennais' name is inseparable from the goldwork of the First Empire. The goldsmith crossed paths with Napoleon I while he was still Bonaparte. After being admitted as master in 1788, Biennais settled in Paris as a tabletier (maker of fancy goods in bone, wood, etc.). He believed in the good fortune of the young general, and readily extended credit…

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