The Gilded Hand
Jérémie Pauzié: A Master Jeweler's Legacy in the Russian Imperial Court
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Biography
Jérémie Pauzié
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![]() Portrait, circa 1762
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Born | 1716 Geneva, Republic of Geneva
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Died | 1779 Geneva, Republic of Geneva
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Nationality | Republic of Geneva[1] |
Occupation(s) | Diamond jeweler and goldsmith |
Known For | Imperial Crown of Russia |
Early Life and Training
Jérémie Pauzié, born in Geneva in 1716, embarked on a rigorous apprenticeship under Benedict Gravero in Saint Petersburg. For seven years, he honed his craft, specializing primarily in the intricate work of diamonds and precious gemstones. While adept with jewels, Pauzié relied on subcontractors for metalwork, reflecting the specialized nature of high-end jewelry creation in the 18th century. During his early career in the late 1730s, he established his own workshop, catering mainly to the local Genevan nobility and gaining limited access to the Imperial court.
Ascendancy at the Russian Court
Pauzié's career trajectory shifted dramatically following the death of Empress Elizabeth in 1761. Initially tasked with rectifying a suboptimal funeral crown created by the chief court jeweler, Georg Friedrich Ekart, Pauzié's skill earned him recognition and access to the Imperial court. He soon emerged as Ekart's principal rival. Upon Catherine the Great's ascension, Pauzié was commissioned to contribute to the creation of the Great Imperial Crown, a significant undertaking that solidified his reputation, despite Ekart's reservations.
Return to Geneva
After his impactful tenure in Russia, Pauzié departed Saint Petersburg in 1764. He returned to his native Switzerland, where he continued his life and work. In 1770, he was granted citizenship in Geneva, marking a full circle in his personal and professional journey. He passed away in Geneva in 1779, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional craftsmanship.
The Great Imperial Crown
A Symbol of Power and Style
The Great Imperial Crown of Russia, created for Catherine the Great's coronation in 1762, stands as a testament to the collaborative artistry of the era. Pauzié worked alongside Georg Friedrich Ekart, the court's leading jeweler, on this magnificent piece. The crown exemplifies the prevailing classicism style, featuring two gold and silver half-spheres symbolizing the Eastern and Western Roman Empires, elegantly divided by a sculpted foliate garland and secured by a low hoop.
Exquisite Materials and Craftsmanship
This masterpiece is adorned with an astonishing 75 pearls and 4,936 meticulously set Indian diamonds. These stones form intricate laurel and oak leaf motifs, traditional symbols of power and strength. Capping the crown is a striking 398.62-carat ruby spinel, a gem previously belonging to Empress Elizabeth, crowned by a diamond cross. The combination of precious materials and Pauzié's detailed execution created a symbol of unparalleled imperial grandeur.
Enduring Legacy
Following Catherine the Great's coronation, the Great Imperial Crown continued its role as the official coronation crown for all subsequent Romanov emperors until the monarchy's end in 1918. It remains one of the most significant treasures of the Romanov dynasty and is currently preserved and displayed in the Moscow Kremlin Armoury Museum, a lasting monument to the artistry of jewelers like Jérémie Pauzié.
Exhibitions and Recognition
Artistic Showcases
The exceptional quality of Jérémie Pauzié's work has been recognized through its inclusion in significant art jewelry exhibitions. His creations were featured in "The Art of the Goldsmith & the Jeweler" at A La Vieille Russie in New York in 1968. More recently, his contributions were highlighted in the "Carl Fabergé and Masters of Stone Carving: Gem Masterpieces of Russia" exhibition at the Dormition Belfry of the Moscow Kremlin Museums in 2011, underscoring his place among esteemed historical jewelers.[4]
Commercial Legacy
In a modern context, the esteemed name of Jérémie Pauzié was acquired in 2013 by the French luxury group Vendôme Private Trading. This acquisition signifies the enduring value and recognition associated with his historical contributions to the world of fine jewelry and luxury goods.[5]
Memoirs of a Court Jeweler
A Glimpse into the Past
Beyond his tangible creations, Jérémie Pauzié left a valuable written record of his life and experiences. He documented his career in a book titled "Memoirs of a Court Jeweller Pauzié." These personal accounts offer unique insights into the workings of the Russian Imperial court, the challenges and triumphs of a master jeweler, and the social dynamics of the 18th century. The memoirs were first published posthumously in 1870 by the Russian history journal Russkaya starina.[3]
Historical Context
The memoirs provide firsthand accounts of Pauzié's professional life, including his apprenticeship, his relationship with Georg Friedrich Ekart, and his involvement in creating significant pieces like the Imperial Crown. They serve as a primary source for understanding the techniques, materials, and patronage systems prevalent in 18th-century European jewelry making, particularly within the context of the Russian aristocracy.
References
Source Citations
- ^ Pauzié, Jérémie, in the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland.
- ^ a b c d Kuznetsova, L. K. (1990). Георг-Фридрих Экaрт и Алмазная мастерская. Его отношение с Позье и работа над короной Екатерини II. Памятники культуры: новые открытия. Письменность, искусство, археология. Ежегодник, 1990. Moscow: Nauka.
- ^ "Memoirs of Court Jeweller Jérémie Pauzié - Literature - Russian Artworks". RusArtNet.com. Retrieved 2014-06-11.
- ^ "Artists - Switzerland - Information". Swissworld.org. Archived from the original on 2009-05-29. Retrieved 2014-06-11.
- ^ "Jérémie Pauzié | Vendôme Private Trading". Vendomeprivatetrading.com. Archived from the original on 2015-05-18. Retrieved 2014-06-11.
The full list of references and bibliography is managed programmatically.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon historical data and scholarly information. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of Jérémie Pauzié's life and work.
This is not professional art historical or financial advice. The information presented is based on publicly available data and may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date. Always consult primary sources and expert analyses for critical research or investment decisions.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided herein.