THE JEAN GROLIER BOX SET : EXCEPTIONAL CASE OF ERUDITION INHERITED FROM THE 16th CENTURY
It is a new discovery of Aguttes that Gregoire de Thoury, head of the Furniture & Objects of Art department, delivers to us today with the identification of the commissioner of this luxurious box. The presence of an emblematic medallion as well as the motto "Aeque difficulter" leaves no doubt as to the identity of its prestigious patron: it is the famous Jean Grolier, King's Treasurer and Treasurer General of the Duchy of Milan under François I.
This large box, a masterpiece of wrought iron, reveals meticulousness and elegance in the fine treatment of the material, worked by hand by Milanese workshops. The compartmentalized and elaborate front with lily blossoms and the lock's hasp with openwork decoration borrowing meticulously from the Gothic architecture are all techniques and ornaments inherited from the 16th century.
Recognized as one of the greatest bibliophiles of the sixteenth century, Jean Grolier's observation of this large personal box set is a manifestation of both his scholarly and aesthetic qualities. Treasurer General of the Duchy of Milan on behalf of the French King Francis I, the collector worked hard during his lifetime to build up a valuable library of Milanese bindings. Thus, this box with its refined chiselling and engravings is designed as a case for luxurious books.
The bound volumes of Jean Grolier's collection reveal the conscientious representation of interlacing decorations. Indeed, the observation of this reiteration is essential as to the ornamental work of the luxurious casket illustrates itself as a case at the height of its aesthetic enclosing the richly decorated volumes.
Captivating witness of the fine execution of the wrought iron by the Milanese workshops of the early sixteenth century. The preciousness of this large box oscillates between technical prowess and aesthetic sumptuousness.
This museum object will be presented at the next auction of the department devoted to the Haute-Epoque on May 11 at the Hôtel Drouot in room 9.
Visuel
Grand coffret personnel de Jean Grolier (1479 -1565)
Milan, early 16th century, between 1513 and 1520
Wooden core, engraved wrought iron, chiseled, pierced and engraved
CLASSICAL ARTS: HIGH PERIOD
Auction sale
Wednesday, May 11, at 14h30
Hôtel Drouot, room 9
The object is shown on appointment before the session.
Grégoire de Thoury
Head of the Furniture & Objects of Art Department
+33 1 41 92 06 46 • thoury@aguttes.com