Empress Eugénie Silver Picnic Set

Empress Eugénie Silver Picnic Set John Samuel Hunt Hallmarked London, 1864 with French import marks This monumental 32-piece English silver picnic set, housed in its original oak box, is exceptional not only in its elegant design but also for its imperial provenance. Meticulously crafted by the esteemed London silversmith John Samuel Hunt for Empress Eugénie, it epitomizes her profound influence on French culture and fashion. As the wife of Napoleon III and the last Empress of France, Eugénie was a pivotal figure in the 19th century, renowned for her impeccable taste and trendsetting elegance. Her impact extended beyond fashion to art and design, fostering a cultural renaissance in France. This picnic set reflects her commitment to luxury and sophistication. Picnics, dating back to medieval hunting feasts, were revived and formalized by the Victorians by Queen Victoria herself. Across the Channel, artists such as Monet, Manet, Cézanne and Renoir celebrated the pleasures of dining out