Line Vautrin (1913-1997)
France
Circa 1950
Gilt Bronze

A cast and gilt poudrier with poetic description:
“Si vous croyez/ que je vais dire/ qui j’ose aimer/ je ne saurais/ pour un empire/ vous la nommer”
“If you suppose I’m going to say/ whose love I dare/ I would not for an empire’s sway/ her name declare”

This is the first stanza of 19th century romantic poem, Fortunio’s Song, by Alfred de Musset. In it, the narrator takes the measure of a secret love, and declares that he would rather lose anything, including his own life, than give up the pleasure of mystery that encloses the object of his desire. A fitting sentiment to place on the exterior of a precious box that would have been put to daily use.

The small brackets soldered to the edges of the lid likely once held a mirror in place. The surface quality is wonderful, and the box has a nice weight in the hand.

Signed “Line Vautrin” and marked “Made in France”