What-is-it question CXXXVI.

Post by **2209patrick** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 5:03 pm

These two silver tankards were made by Gorham c.1900.
What name did Gorham use for this style and technique (other than Art Nouveau).

Pat.
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wev · Post by **wev** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 6:34 pm

Athenic

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Post by **2209patrick** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 1:13 am

Hi Wev.

My reference identifies these tankards as Martele.

Martele wares were entirely handmade while the bodies of Athenic pieces were usually made on a spinning lathe with some handwork done on the decorations.
Both were produced under the supervision of William J. Codman.
Although Athenic is often described as Art Nouveau, it was more inspired by Grecian forms. It was not as popular as Martele.
Athenic pieces often included copper, glass and/or ivory.

The name Martele is the French term for "hammered".
No mechanical process was used to supplement the handwork on Martele pieces.
The silversmith was given a design and told to work it out with a hammer and other hand tools.

Pat.
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wev · Post by **wev** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 2:09 am

Athenic was both "Grecian" and "Art Nouveau" in flavor. All the pieces I have seen fall in the latter category. Martele was a technique of manufacture, not style of form.
The vase with mark I posted:

Then again, Gorham was very sloppy about its marking practices.
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