Juste-Aurèle Meissonnier (French, born Italy, 1695–1750) was the most revolutionary forerunner of the Rococo style in the decorative arts. Multitalented with entrepreneurial skills, he worked for the French court and European nobility. Considered a genius goldsmith by his contemporaries, he was also a prolific designer and aspiring architect, seamlessly maneuvering between media and disciplines. Born and trained in Turin, Italy, he moved to Paris around 1715 to advance his career, although the…