BOÎTE À POCHES DORÉE. JOHANN-DANIEL BERNEAUD. Suisse, Genève vers 1820-1830

Johann Daniel Berno (1773–1861) was a prominent German enamel artist who left a significant mark on the history of enamel art. Born and died in Hanau, Germany, Berno became famous for his unique enamel miniatures and allegorical compositions, which won recognition both in Germany and abroad. Education and Influence of Geneva Johann Daniel Berno received his artistic education in Geneva, one of the centers of European art at that time. In Geneva, Berno collaborated with the famous master Antoine Carteret, which played a key role in the formation of his artistic style. Specializing in enamel painting, Berno mastered a technique that allowed him to create miniatures with incredible detail and a rich color palette. Return to Hanau In 1814, Berno returned to his native Hanau, where he began to actively collaborate with local jewelry workshops. In particular, he worked for such renowned firms as Colins & Söhne, creating enamel decorations and miniatures for gold boxes and other luxury items. His works were distinguished by the highest quality of execution, a love of allegorical motifs and floral compositions. Genre scenes depicting everyday life also became one of the innovative directions of his work, which had a significant impact on the development of art at that time. Recognition and Influence on the Art of EnamelJohann Daniel Berno′s works were in great demand among the aristocracy and nobility, and his art found a response among a wide range of collectors. An example of the recognition of Berno′s talent is a box depicting the Vorontsov Palace, which was sold at Sotheby′s auction in London in 2021. An equally significant event in Berno′s career was his appointment in 1815 as a full artistic member of the Electoral Hessian Drawing Academy in Hanau. This recognition confirms his contribution to the development of art and his high esteem among his contemporaries. International Recognition and Commissions Johann Daniel Berno also received commissions from clients outside Germany, including the Sultan, who commissioned him to create enamel jewellery with allegorical images and floral compositions. Due to religious prohibitions on the depiction of human figures in Islamic culture, such works were in particular demand.Johann Daniel Berno died on 18 January 1861, leaving behind a rich legacy. His works are still highly valued by collectors and art scholars alike.