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Gentlemen's Quarter (Hall 16)

This small room evokes the late 18th century and much of the 19th century. It has been created using a selection of clothing accessories and other small objects related to the masculine realm. It is meant to complement the Ladies' Quarter, which you have already visited. The items here sweep us away to the world and customs of the bourgeois men of two centuries ago, which will feel familiar after having visited the Smoking Room.

These are some of the objects related to the realm of men's accessories. Buttons and cufflinks were worn on dress coats and fashionable vests. They were made using a variety of materials and techniques, including silver, steel, carved ivory, enameling and painted glass. The French and Spanish metal buckles worn on shoes and belts were engraved according to current tastes, or else featured precious gems, enameling or mother-of-pearl. Suspenders were embroidered with silk thread in vegetal or allegorical motifs.

On view here is a varied selection of canes, an essential complement for men. Made of wood or cane, the handles were crafted of ivory and other materials, and featured the recurring shape of animal heads, including dogs and horses.

Other objects belong exclusively to the upper classes, like pocket watches or those with chains or chatelaines, which are decorated with lovely enameling and motifs that are mythological or allegorical in nature. Mother-of-pearl card cases and wax seals for private correspondence were other symbols of certain social standing. The gallery features a collection of boxes used for snuff and other purposes, with beautiful allegorical, mythological and political decorative elements.

Finally, a selection of objects related to vision is on view, in this case objects used by both men and women, including spectacles, lorgnettes, handled glasses and opera and theatre glasses.

If you have already visited all of the galleries on this floor, take the stairs or elevator to the third floor where you can visit the Entertainment Hall, the last area in the Collector's Cabinet.