Bust of the Empress Eugénie de Montijo

December 2013

This pipe shows a somewhat primly but yet imperial portrait with naked shoulders and a conventional hairstyle. Depicted is Empress Eugénie de Montijo with hair put up in which a modest diadem, only the earrings with a flight of flower buds break the simplicity of the depiction. At the bottom, the manufacturer had the option of finishing the bust with something exuberant, but that didn't happen either. The base of the bust remains flat, with the modest contoured edge of her dress, which follows the shape of the bust. Apparently that was the way in which the empress had to be portrayed. On the stem the name of the factory and the reference to the city of Paris are embossed, the latter referring to the maker's sales office. In addition, traditionally the mark stamp has been pressed, the initials JG in pearl frame. The use of stamping a mark dates back to the time when references to the full factory name were not yet made. The maker is J. Gambier from Givet who brought this design to market under shape number 844. The finish in yellow varnish was meant to show like smoked meerschaum, further enhanced by the slightly brown coloured bowl opening. Rather disturbing are the brush hairs that are left behind in the lacquer giving black stripes on the face and bust. The pipe has survived the time undamaged because it never came into use

Amsterdam Pipe Museum APM 21.789

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