1960s Rosenfeld, F. Boucher's The Nest Rococo Printing Plate Purse

$1,075.00

Description

This 1960s Rosenfeld waxed canvas purse is an absolute masterpiece! The rigid, top handle purse is ornamented with a printing plate of Françoise Boucher's "Le Dénicheur,” meaning "The Scavenger" or "The Hunter." The preferred English title of the piece is "The Nest," but it is also known as "The Shepherd's Gift." The plate depicts a pastoral scene featuring a shepherd, shepherdesses, multiple cherubs, lambs, sheep, trees, foliage, and a country house in the distance. The focal point of the piece is a small bird's nest held in one of the shepherdess' hands. The piece portrays the moment in which the shepherd -having descended from a tree with a nest- gifts the nest to the shepherdess. There is a small cage in the lower right of the engraving, indicating that she will bring the birds home with her. The piece is framed by floral flourishes, and was engraved by "B. Wicker".

Boucher (1703-1770) was a prolific Rococo artist. He worked in nearly every medium and genre, and was a master cross-marketer, producing both fine art and designs for home goods. In his lifetime Boucher's work was wildly popular; it graced King Louis the XV’s walls at Versailles, and was found in the château of the king's mistress, Madame de Pompadour. Boucher's work was so revered that he was appointed First Painter to the King of France, as well as Director of the Royal Academy.

B. Wicker, or Bernard Wicker, was a skilled engraver of the late 19th and early 20th century. He engraved the original plate of which this plate was cast. Wicker's rendition of "The Nest" can be seen featured in other household items (trinket boxes and chargers), but we have yet to see a piece in as good a condition as the plate featured on this purse.

The Rosenfeld purse company is known for their gorgeous designs with tremendous collector appeal. Harry Rosenfeld's career spanned decades, beginning in the 1930s until his retirement in the 1970s. Rosenfeld handbags were sold in high end department stores, as well as the official Rosenfeld boutique on Madison Avenue in New York City.

This purse is a testament to the timelessness of art and fine design, and the heights of aesthetic success developed through solid artistic collaboration. This purse, two centuries in the making, is absolutely fantastic.

The purse interior is lined in satin and has both a zippered pocket and open pocket.

Collections: Evening bags, Latest Finds

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