Rare French Art Nouveau 18K Gold Medal, verses from Alphonse Karr
A rare and deeply sentimental French Art Nouveau 18K gold medal, engraved on both sides with verses by Alphonse Karr, one of the most celebrated French literary voices of the 19th century, taken from his satirical collection Les Guêpes (The Wasps).
One side :
« De leur bon côté sachons voir les choses :
Vous vous plaignez de voir les rosiers épineux »
“Let us try to see things from their best side:
You complain about seeing rose bushes with thorns.”
The reverse :
« Moi, je me réjouis et rends grâces aux dieux
Que les épines aient des roses. »
“I, on the contrary, rejoice and give thanks to the gods
That the thorns have roses.”
The verses express a beautiful philosophy of love for life: choosing to rejoice in the roses rather than dwell on the thorns. This sentiment is beautifully reflected in the jewel itself, with delicately engraved roses surrounded by green enamel on both sides.
The medal bears some restoration on the enamel, please see photos.
Alphonse Karr was one of the finest literary voices of 19th-century France. His work, known for its wit, observations on life and elegant style, continues to give this rare jewel an especially poignant and timeless meaning.
Measurements and condition
In overall good antique with slight traces of use.
Restoration on the green enamel, slight scratches on the gold surfaces.
French eagle’s head hallmark for 18K gold.
Length including the bale: 3.5cm
Diameter: 2.5cm
Weight: 5.8g
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