Superb bottle of yellow gold varnish for burnished copper, manufactured by the renowned firm Soehnée Frères , 19 rue des Filles-du-Calvaire in Paris. This company, awarded prizes at the Universal Expositions (Paris 1855, 1867, 1878, 1889, and 1900), was famous for its varnishes and preparations for bronze workers, goldsmiths, and sign makers. The glass bottle retains a magnificent patina , the result of natural oxidation of the varnish solidified inside, which now forms a dark red and gold gradient , almost painterly. Original typographic label with signs of wear but still legible.
✦ Provenance: Soehnée Frères, Paris ✦ Estimated period: Circa 1890–1900 ✦ Dimensions: 17x6cm ✦ Material: Glass, printed paper label ✦ Condition: Nice patina, used but stable label, solidified contents, improvised paper stopper.
This piece illustrates the expertise of Parisian artisans during the Belle Époque and the science of metallic varnishes, so valuable to bronze workers and gilders. Its unique visual appearance makes it a decorative collector's item in its own right today.
