Golden Virtue

"Objets de Vertu (French for Objects of Virtue)" is a term in French that is hard to trace back its origin.  Is it from Anglicism, or perhaps the word "Vertu" is the last name of a goldsmith or of a collector, or?  Whatever the origin is, these virtue objects are a great invention of fantasy and of techniques that are made of gold covered with precious stones, mother-of-pearl in different forms and shapes. These invaluable objects were often used by the owner personally yet served frequently as gifts by the king and the queen to their courtiers.  The exhibition is divided into 4 rooms. The first room explains how these golden objects were made; the second room showcases boxes decorated with portraits; the third room demonstrates the social usage of these objects and various goldsmith techniques; the fourth room focuses more on the enamels and the engraved objects.  There are loads of histories within each of these objects that trace back to Louis XIV and V and their ways of living. These objects truly reflect the works of the masterpieces.  Are you a collector?  This is definitely an eye candy for you until May 6th, 2012.

Musée Cognacq-Jay
8 rue Elzévir 75003 PARIS
T. +33 (0)1 40 27 07 21
(M) Saint-Paul / Rambuteau on line 1/11
Tue - Sun from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Entrance: 5€

Photo/Video sources: 3velectricite/paris.fr