Description
An introduction to 60 unknown treasures, miniature masterpieces made by world-renowned jeweller André Chervin (b. 1927), founder of the premiere New York atelier, Carvin French.
“Enchanting Imagination provides a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the creative expression of jewellers guided by their imaginations and curiosity.”—Medill Harvey, Jewellery History Today
“Enchanting Imagination is a rara avis. It is Chervin sharing with us his personal pleasures.”—The Magazine Antiques
Jeweler’s ‘Creative Outlets’ to Shape New Exhibition
Recognized today as masters of fine jewellery-making whose dazzling creations have been sold by top retail houses such as Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels, Verdura, Cartier, and Bulgari, André Chervin and his firm enjoy a stellar reputation among the clients who wear their refined jewellery. Unbeknownst to his many fans, Chervin also created a collection of precious objets d’art, dating from 1957 to 2013. Expressive of his artistic imagination, passion for raw materials and bygone techniques, and inimitable sense of style, these captivating treasures have never been shown to the public. Until now.
Enchanting Imagination: The Objets d’Art of André Chervin and Carvin French Jewelers introduces Chervin’s miniature masterpieces—one-of-a-kind lamps, clocks, boxes, personal accessories, and table decorations fashioned from gold, silver, gems and minerals, like rubies, diamonds, sapphires, jade, lapis lazuli, amethyst and quartz. Conceived by Chervin and fabricated under his watchful eye, each object evolved over the course of many years, taking 5, 10, even 25 years to complete to perfection.
The accompanying exhibitor Enchanting Imagination: The Objets d’Art of André Chervin and Carvin French Jewelers is on view at the New-York Historical Society, September 8, 2023 – March 17, 2024.
Author biographies
Debra Schmidt Bach is curator of Decorative Arts and Special Exhibitions at New-York Historical Society.
Jeannine Falino is an independent curator, and a leading expert on modern and contemporary jewelery and American decorative arts.
Table of Contents
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- Foreword by Louise Mirrer
- Acknowledgments by Debra Schmidt Bach
- A Lifetime of Work by André Chervin
- André Chervin and Carvin French: The Story Behind the Master Jeweler by Debra Schmidt Bach
- Marvels from Minerals: André Chervin’s Enchanted Objets d’Arts by Jeannine Falino
- Creations: Light and Time; Personal and Home Amusements; Nature as a Guide
- Endnotes
- Glossary
- Contributors
- Photography Credits
