24 Christofle knives - Chrysanthemum Art Nouveau model

In their original box, twenty-four superb knives from the House of Christofle, the famous Louis XV chrysanthemum model "Marly".

The Marly collection takes its name from the Château de Marly built by Louis XIV in western Paris, and totally destroyed during the Revolution. It is for this "country" castle, where etiquette was less rigid, that the shape of the plate "with marli" was created (the marli is the peripheral inclined part of a plate, allowing it to be handled without getting fingers dirty).

"I made Versailles for my court, Trianon for my family, Marly for my friends", said Louis XIV. He liked to take refuge in this refined domain from time to time to get away from the excesses of Versailles. The Château de Marly no longer exists but the spirit is still there, a festive, elegant spirit, without ostentation...
 
Period : Art nouveau - Circa : 1900
Dimensions : 12 table knives : 25,5 x 2 cm
Dimensions : 12 cheese knives : 21 x 1,8 cm
Signed : Christofle - Monogrammed : A.M
 
Constantly present in the Christofle catalogue since 1897 under the name of the MARLY LOUIS XV Collection, the Marly collection has evolved over time to become more modern, while retaining the distinctive elements of the Louis XV style, sometimes also called Rococo, such as asymmetrical decorative motifs, often inspired by nature, such as the acanthus leaf or shells.

A decorative motif characteristic of ancient Greece, found for example at the top of Corinthian columns, the acanthus is characterised by long, broad leaves, with numerous indentations and graceful curls, allowing for a wide range of creative variations.

The Acanthus leaf inspired Greek and Roman artists as well as those of the Renaissance and modern times by imitating Antiquity.

Widely used in the Louis XV Rocaille style, it is often represented, as in the Marly collection, in an asymmetrical way to give an impression of movement. 
A true ode to nature.
(Source: Maison Christofle)