PAIR OF CENTERPIECES. ORMOLU, MARBLE. FRANCE, LATE 19TH CENTURY

Pair of centerpieces. Gilded bronze, marble. France, late 19th century Pair of centerpieces or planters that have a globular body carved in marble veined in pink tones (of a type similar to a very popular one often used in French school works during the 18th century Rococo) and gilt marble accents to mercury. These are decorated with lion claws on the legs, simple architectural moldings and masks with plant elements (feminine and monstrous, alternating), and an edge that extends towards the interior of the pieces, creating two wings or handles, decorated with plant and architectural elements (scrolls, flowers, bows, leaves, etc.) both outside and inside this area, leaving what would be the internal area of the smooth marble pieces. The classicist inspiration of the decorative elements of the couple is common in French school works since the 18th century. Some details (for example, the claws finishing off the legs) are seen in Louis XIV-style centerpieces dating from that century, while other elements are seen more often in Louis XVI-style work (one of the main features of the Neoclassical style). Only one piece is known to be kept in a private collection in the United States of America. Weight: 16kg

· Size: 37x27x23 cms