Egyptomania and creations

Let’s explore Egyptian art and the creations that inspired it. 
Esprit Joaillerie gathered together for a live stream on Instagram, two enthusiasts to talk about Egyptomania.

On the one hand, Lydia Courteille, jewelry designer and keen collector of antique jewelry. On the other hand, Gislain Aucremanne Art historian, specialist in antique jewelry who exercises his talents within the prestigious School of Jewelry Arts supported by Van Cleef & Arpels.

It should be noted that Egyptomania describes the fascination with Egypt following great explorations and sensational discoveries.

Also, to better understand this fascination, Gislain takes us back in time to the history.
Thus, as early as the 16th century, some European travelers spoke of this mysterious country where zoomorphic gods are worshiped. Then, the Egyptian taste spread to Europe in the 18th century, and Marie-Antoinette herself was seduced by this esoteric exoticism.

Later, Napoleon Bonaparte, who wanted to block the route to the Indies from Great Britain, went on a campaign to Egypt. His art minister Dominique Vivant-Denon played an important role there. Indeed, in 1798, he accompanied Bonaparte on his expedition to Egypt. As might be expected, he wrote about it in Journey to Upper and Lower Egypt, a work that will be a great success. It is undeniable that Champolion holds the key. Indeed, in 1822, It reveals the secret of the hieroglyphs and opens the door to a new interest in Egypt. There is no doubt that the discovery by
Howard Carter's discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922 also marks a turning point in our understanding of this civilization. He discovered a veritable treasure, however surrounded by many mysteries.

As Gislain reminded us, these discoveries had an undeniable influence on art in general and also on jewelry.

Thus, this example of a beautiful pair of earrings presented at the exhibition Lacloche organized by The School of Jewelry Arts. Typically in this spirit of Egyptomania.

In fact, it is these Gods, these mysteries and symbols that inspire Lydia Courteille.
It must be said that archaeology is a discipline that has long attracted him. Less so because of its practical side. Indiana Jones That by his scientific mind, which loves to analyze and understand.
That is why scarabs, the Eye of Ra, and deities are true treasures of inspiration for her. As a jewelry designer, Lydia lets her imagination sublimate certain artifacts. To ensure they don’t disappear in the showcases, she transforms them into other forms, giving them a new life.

Without further ado, I leave you with some of his creations. In fact, these pairs of earrings, this pendant, and these exceptional wristbands speak for themselves.

To put it simply, his creative process is infused with poetry and humor.

This exciting exchange can be seen on Instagram. To sum up this visit, it shows that this civilization continues to inspire us. In fact, Egyptomania does not belong to the past but continues to arouse a fascination that is ever-growing.