Georges Fouquet (1862-1957) was a master craftsman hailing from one of the greatest French jewelry Maisons. He joined his father’s jewelry business before the turn of the 20th Century and upon his father’s retirement in 1895, he assumed control of the business just as Art Nouveau was becoming the dominant style in France. The Art Nouveau movement was short-lived and became popularized from 1890 to 1910. The motifs included elegant curves, diverse use of materials, muted-colored enamels and nature themed focus.

Fouquet collaborated with artist Alphonse Mucha on a variety of successful jewels which were exhibited at the 1900 Exposition Universelle. Actress Sarah Bernhardt soon after commissioned Fouquet to create bracelet from a drawing by Mucha. By 1919, Fouquet was joined by his son, Jean, and together they incorporated new elements of style into their craftsmanship and contributed to the shift from the soft, elegant lines of Art Nouveau to the sharp angled, geometric designs of Art Deco.

The plique-à-jour enamel shown on the present lot is a common element found in Fouquet’s jewelry pieces. With inspiration directly pulled from nature, these delicate, adjustable wings are perfect specimens that showcase the motifs of the Art Nouveau era and impeccable craftsmanship of Geroges Fouquet.