The Cognacq-Jay Museum invites us to go back in time in a refined and golden exhibition to carefully observe the goldsmith's work carried out by the greatest names in luxury craftsmanship of the century Lights. Let us examine with wonder the floral detail and the pearly colors of the jewelry boxes of the jeweler Johann Christian Neuber, the chiseled gold and translucent enamels of the fly boxes of Joseph-Étienne Blerzy, the objects of virtue of Paul-Nicolas Ménière. Let us rejoice at the sight of its perfume spray in the form of a miniature gun, although the use of such a utensil is today totally obsolete. The inventiveness and brilliance of this luxuriant world intoxicate us. And the expert work of the goldsmith leaves us speechless. Stones, gold, fine pearls, enamel, so much wealth assembled on more than 200 small objects of coquetry which knew how to seduce the nobility of the 18th century.

Luxurious prerogatives of monarchs and members of royal families, these treasures are then both offered and collected. Frederick II, King of Prussia, brought together nearly three hundred snuff boxes, decorated with a profusion of precious stones, some of which are revealed to us today. Candy boxes, bezels, wax cases and cane knobs take us even further into the century of refinement and the power of appearances. This sumptuous exhibition concludes this golden interlude around the two prestigious Van Cleef & Arpels and the house of Fabergé, offering a most sophisticated modern counterpoint.

Did you know?
Do you know Mr. and Mrs. Cognacq-Jay? From modest origins, these experienced traders are the founders of La Samaritaine. Now at the head of a flourishing empire, the couple amassed a large collection of works of art in the 1900s intended to be exhibited in their luxurious store... before the couple donated their collection to the City of Paris .