Gounod, Charles-François. (1818–1893)
Presentation Laurel Wreath from the Société Royale d’Harmonie of Antwerp
Enormous wreath or symbolic crown of artificial oak leaves with acorns and gold ornaments, with wide ribbons embroidered with the inscription "La Société Royale d’Harmonie d’Anvers à Charles Gounod, Témoignage d’admiration" and the date of 1879, framed with a printed card and original event ribbons under glass in its original massive black wood frame (diameter 48 cm, 65 x 65 cm) as presented to and owned by the composer himself. Numerous chips to the frame, unexamined out of framed, but quite visually striking indeed.Gounod made several trips to Antwerp in 1879: on 17 April for a performance of Polyeucte, again at the end of May for a concert, and, after two preparatory meetings in late August and 13 September, for a great 'Gounod Festival' on 2-4 November by the Société Royale d’Harmonie and Société de Musique, under his direction. On November 11, the Société Royale d’Harmonie presented him with a certificate as an honorary member, and performed a Serenade in his honor the next day. It was on this occasion that they presented him with the present wreath. (9392)
Ephemera Opera