Aucoc Ainé toiletries set

The collections of the Villa du Temps Retrouvé have been enriched with the donation to the museum of a toiletries set that probably belonged to Adrien Proust (1834–1903), an eminent hygienist and father of Marcel Proust (1871–1922).

This toiletries set, attributed to the silversmith Louis Aucoc (1829-1914), known as Ainé, consists of two rectangular bottles, two round boxes, a rectangular box, a round crystal case with cut sides and a guilloché metal lid monogrammed with the initials A.P. in a scroll motif within a cartouche with a buckle motif, and a folded brass matchbox covered in leather with a guilloché metal lid and monogram.

This refined ensemble bears witness to the customs and lifestyle of the 19th century bourgeoisie.

La Villa du Temps retrouvé expresses its deep gratitude to the donor, whose contribution supports the museum’s mission: to offer the public a space for memory and knowledge, combining heritage, literature and art history.