Who is L. Vander Cruycen?
Vander Cruycen is described in various historical works as a leading jeweller of the day and his move from Brussels to Paris, which was the international centre of jewellery at the time, bears witness to his excellent reputation.
At the present time, we know of only four books of jewellery sketches published in the 18th century in the Southern Netherlands: two by Joannes Baptista Grondoni, the Livre Dorfeferie (The Book of Silverwork) by Noé Pauwels and the Nouveau Livre de desseins (New Book of Drawings) by L. Vander Cruycen. In 1770, L. Vander Cruycen published a second series of engravings in Paris, entitled Nouveau Livre de desseins contenant les Ouvrages de la Joaillerie (New Book of Drawings containing Works of Jewellery). Through further research DIVA hopes to determine who L. Vander Cruycen was.
Album with ornament prints
The album contains four series of prints: one from the encyclopedia compiled by Diderot & d'Alembert, concerning the goldsmith's art and jewellery, one with vignettes engraved by Jacques de Sève and one entitled Nouveau livre de desseins contenant les ouvrages de la Joaillerie by L. Vander Cruycen dating from 1770 together, with the 1907 reprint. Based on the style and elaboration the drawings are connected to the prints by Vander Cruycen.
Sketches for jewellery and accessoires
This rare series of 23 sheets, acquired by the Léon Courtin-Marcelle Bouché Fund, have been entrusted to DIVA. The entire serie shows 127 sketches of jewellery and accessories, attributed to L. Vander Cruycen, including designs for earrings, brooches, cufflinks, buckles, miniature portrait frames, covers for boxes and snuff boxes, sword hilts and insignia including those representing the Order of the Golden Fleece, the Order of Malta and the Polish Order of the White Eagle.
