Item description for Mythologique by Gorham Sterling Silver Cold Meat Fork Beaded Back 8 3/4"

The Mythologique pattern was designed by Antoine Heller, a French silversmith trained under the influence of the E´cole des Beaux-Arts in the studio of Jean-Le´on Ge´rome. Joining Gorham in 1881 after a brief stint at Tiffany & Co., Heller served as the company’s chief designer until his death in 1904, and led the company in adopting the academic style that harkened back to ancient Greek and Roman traditions. He was especially known for the precision with which he executed the steel dies that would be used for the drop presses. This talent was remarked upon with envy by several French critics and journals including La France, who lauded, “M. Heller is at once an inspired artist, having the gift of style, of grace and of elegance; and a workman possessing a skill without a rival—a hand for which no obstacle exists. Notice how are modeled, posed, and—if I dare so to speak—harmonized … the mythological personages of these spoons, engraved in relief upon squares of steel. It is perfection.” Each example of Mythologique flatware was decorated with one of 24 intricately wrought mythological figures and scenes, surrounded by classical ornamentation.