The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of May 30, 2026

A gilt copper alloy and enamel covered cup features a golden figure holding a red gemstone aloft atop a domed lid. The lid displays dark green enamel with bird and vine motifs above a row of blue and green columns hung with pearls. Below sits a marbled stone bowl. The flared golden base and central stem are decorated with purple grapes, green leaves, and inset amethysts matching the stone bowl's hue.

Covered Cup

c. 1897–99

Armand Point

(French, 1861–1932)
France
gilt copper alloy, enamel, amethysts, emeralds, ruby, pearls
Overall: 32.2 x 16 cm (12 11/16 x 6 5/16 in.)
John L. Severance Fund 2025.135
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

The cup was originally acquired by Émile Nail-Démellette, Point's old high-school friend and later his benefactor.

Description

Armand Point started his career as a painter, but in the late 1800s, he became increasingly interested in decorative arts. In 1896, he established the Atelier de Haute-Claire in Marlotte, a colony of artists who handmade works of art to a very high standard. This cup was made there and is particularly ornate, showcasing different materials such as metal, enamels, gemstones, and pearls, as well as goldsmithing techniques.
  • c. 1900
    Emile Nail-Démellette (1862–1947)
    Then by descent
    2007
    Sold at Rouillac Auctioneers, Cheverny, France on June 10, 2007. Lot 137.
    2007–2024
    French Private Collection
    2024–2025
    Oscar Graf Gallery
    2025–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art
  • Lafore, Alexandre. "Two Cups for Cleveland." La Tribune de l'Art (February 28, 2026). Mentioned and reproduced: Throughout.
  • {{cite web|title=Covered Cup|url=false|author=Armand Point|year=c. 1897–99|access-date=30 May 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2025.135