Luxury at Your Fingertips at the Musée Cognacg-Jay: the precious refinements of the 18th century.
Silent witnesses to intimate stories from a bygone era, the precious little objects of the Age of Enlightenment sparkle like stars. The exhibition Luxury for a Pocketful of Money: Precious Small Objects in the Age of Enlightenment The Cognacq-Jay Museum opens a fascinating window onto an often overlooked aspect of the history of luxury. Until September 29, 2024, a remarkable collection of precious and sophisticated objects is on display, offering a valuable insight into the refined daily life of the 18th century.
Tabatière Chrysoprase, Diamonds, Gold. Anonymous, Berlin, around 1765
London, collection Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert in deposit at the Victoria and Albert Museum, inv. LOAN: GILBERT.412-2008
© Victoria and Albert Museum, London
The exhibited pieces, whether it be cigar humidors, candy holders, writing or embroidery supplies, or perfume bottles, transport visitors into a world where the smallest object was an expression of taste and refinement. Enriched with gold, hard or precious stones, mother-of-pearl, porcelain, or translucent enamels, these treasures bear witness to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the artisans of the time. But it is not about merely highlighting the beauty of these objects. This exhibition also offers a reflection on their social and cultural significance. Through a subtle dialogue between art history, fashion history, technology history, and anthropology, «Luxe de Poche» invites visitors to explore the multiple facets of these indispensable accessories of luxury. Each piece tells a story, revealing the rituals and uses that accompanied them in the daily lives of the elite of the time. Whether it was the meticulous grooming of the elegant ladies, the worldly conversations in the salons, or the evenings at the theater or the ball. It should be noted that these objects were both personal and social. They testified to an art of living where elegance and refinement were elevated to the rank of virtues.
One can also discover the fascinating process of manufacturing these exceptional objects. It highlights the craftsmanship of the artisans and the technical innovations that enabled the creation of pieces of such splendor. Thus, these creations required the involvement of various expert artisans such as enamellers, lapidaries, and polishers… Undoubtedly, these objects evoke the excellence of 18th-century goldsmiths.
Johann-Christian Neuber, around 1780
© CC0 Paris Musées/Musée Cognacq-Jay
Finally, the exhibition does not lack highlighting the lasting legacy of these precious objects; the last room of the exhibition evokes a dialogue with modernity. A contemporary resonance that presents objects from the Van Cleef & Arpels heritage collection and the Faberge house dating from the 20th century that draw their inspiration from the taste of the 18th century. From royal collections to art and history enthusiasts, these small objects continue to fascinate and inspire, recalling a time when luxury was synonymous with elegance and refinement. Through the centuries, these «jewels» have managed to retain their evocative power, bearing witness to a way of life that continues to captivate our imagination.
Luxury at Your Fingertips offers a fascinating dive into the luxury of the Age of Enlightenment, inviting visitors to discover the timeless beauty and profound meaning of these small treasures of the past.
Until September 29, 2024
Cognacq-Jay Museum
8 rue Elzévir 75003 Paris
