Category: Bronze

Gilt-bronze candelabra by French masters of the art. All from around 1800

Pair of gilt and patinated bronze figural three light candelabra, one with the figure of cupid and the other with a nymph, both seated on naturalistic rock-work bases, the elaborate acanthus and scrolling rosette candle arms with Egyptian head terminals. The arms with foliate and lotus tapering nozzles and flared palmette and leafy beady swept collars and issuing from central naturalistic acanthus wheatsheaf and flowering lily naturalistic finials. Bow fronted plinths with applied frolicking putti friezes in the manner of Clodio and milled side panels above fruiting laurel garlanded pendant mounts on acanthus and beaded bases. ca. 1785. French. Gilt and patinated bronze with rouge griotte marble bases. Gilt bronze mounts attributed to Francois Réymond. After models by Etienne-Maurice Falconet (1716-1791). Image
© Bonhams 2001-2021. Fair use license. via https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/25946/lot/48/?category=list&length=108&page=1

Pair of gilt bronze figural candelabra, each being styled with two nymphs covered with floral swags raising three candle sconces formed of buds and open flowers of carnations ‘tied’ at the base with drapes. Standing on oval bases with olive branch border mounts and acanthus leaves, on corresponding reeded toupie feet. ca. 1820. French. In the manner of Étienne-Maurice Falconet after a design by Gabriel de Saint-Aubin. Image © 2019 Lyon & Turnbull. Fair use license. via https://www.lyonandturnbull.com/news/article/in-the-manner-of-tienne-maurice-falconet/

Letter openers from the old days. So much prettier than an email account.

Gilt-metal and agate letter opener, with a shaped blade pierced with masks and foliate motifs below a cast dragon and a tapering handle inset with agates below gilt-metal beasts. ca. 1880. Scottish. Attributed to Hamilton, Crichton and Company of Edinburgh. Image © 2020 Sotheby’s. Fair use license. via https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/stone-ii/a-scottish-gilt-metal-and-agate-letter-opener
Silver-gilt and jeweled letter opener in the motif of a dagger in a decorative sheath. Silver-gilt mounts, teal guilloché enamel in the sheath. Large agate beads, seed pearls a turquoise color cabochon on the top of the hilt with applied scrolling decorations, engraving and tiny bits of nephrite or green glass. Antique. No marks found. Image © Aspire Auctions. Fair use license. via https://www.aspireauctions.com/#!/catalog/340/1665/lot/66074
Guilloché enamel and silver letter opener. Agate blade with the horse head shaped top having pearl, ruby and gilt highlights. Before 1917. Russian. Maker’s marks: “MHI” and “88”. Image © 1986-2020 Invaluable, LLC and Concept Art Gallery, Pittsburgh. Fair use license. via https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/russian-guilloche-enamel-and-agate-letter-opener-139-c-0b4493d9b6#

Art Déco women frozen for life and never getting to stand up. Figurines for your coffee table done by Ferdinand Preiss of Germany who lived from 1882 to 1943.

“Dreams.” Figure in ivory of a kneeling beauty in a thoughtful, contemplative mood, the surface having excellent hand-carved details. Raised on a green onyx and black marble pyramid base. 1925. Art Déco. German. Ivory, onyx and marble. Maker’s marks: Signed “F Preiss on the back. Image © 2020, Hickmet Fine Arts. Fair use license. via https://hickmet.com/collections/art-deco/products/ferdinand-preiss-dreams-1?mc_cid=1388bf4aac&mc_eid=b7f6cf8664
“Girl on Wall.” Gilt and patinated bronze figure of a girl sitting on an alabaster base. ca. 1925. Art Déco. German. Gilt and patinated bronze and alabaster. Maker’s marks: Foundry mark for Preiss and Kassler. Image © Bonhams 2001-2020. Fair use license. via https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/16799/lot/183/
Figurine of a woman modeled in ivory with a fawn modeled in patinated bronze sitting on an onyx and black glass base. Undated. Art Déco. German. Ivory, patinated bronze, onyx and black glass. Maker’s marks: Engraved “F. Preiss.” Image © 2020 Auction house Lempertz. Fair use license. via https://www.lempertz.com/en/catalogues/lot/1056-2/1237-a-berlin-cryselephantine-figure-of-a-woman-with-a-fawn.html

Lions and firedogs in gilt bronze. Regency, early 19th century. All after designs by Thomas Hope who lived from 1769 to 1831.

Pair of gilt bronze firedogs, used as decoration to enhance the visual aesthetics of the hearth. They were placed one to each side of the fireplace opening so are not andirons. ca. 1803. English, Gilt bronze. Attributed to Thomas Hope. Image © 1stdibs.com, Inc. 2020. Fair use license. via https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/building-garden/fireplaces-mantels/pair-of-gilt-bronze-regency-firedogs-thomas-hope-attributed-england-circa-1803/id-f_10158433/
Settee. ca. 1802. English. Bronzed and gilded beech, with restoration, and bronze mounts. After a design by Thomas Hope. The Trustees of the Faringdon Collection, Buscot Park, Oxfordshire and the Bard Graduate Center: Decorative Arts, Design History, Material Culture. Bruce White, photographer. Image © College Art Association. Fair use license. via http://www.caareviews.org/reviews/1310#.X6viGmhKjqU
Gilt-brass jardiniere with a circular top , the frieze set with four lion mask and ring “handles” interspersed with anthemion motif mounts. (lions head detail). 1800-1825. Regency. Gilt-brass and cast brass. English. Closely based on a design by Thomas Hope taken from “Household Furniture and Interior Decoration,” Plate XIX, Number 1. Image © 1995-2020, Carlton Hobbs LLC,. Fair use license. via http://carltonhobbs.com/portfolio-items/11233-a-large-regency-gilt-brass-jardiniere-stand-closely-based-on-a-design-by-thomas-hope/#jp-carousel-7681

Brûle-parfum, mostly in gilt bronze and looking vaguely Egyptian Revival. Very popular in the early 19th century. Spirit lamps on legs that heat up pastilles and perfume up the room. So much prettier than air fresheners.

Gilt-bronze brûle-parfum, with a pierced neck, flanked by snake-shaped handles and raised on a verde antico marble pedestal. Early 19th c. French. Empire. Image © 2020 Sotheby’s. Fair use license. via https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/style-private-collections/an-empire-gilt-bronze-brule-parfum-early-19th


Brûle-parfum in the shape of an Athenian, the base with winged sphinxes framing a central flaming oil lamp, resting on a base decorated with a vestal on each of the three faces. Early 19th c. French. Gilt-bronze and green patinated bronze. Attributed to Andre-Antoine Ravrio (1759-1814). Image © CHRISTIE’S 2020. Fair use license. via https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/paire-de-brule-parfums-depoque-empire-attribuee-a-6110162-details.aspx

Brûle-parfum vessels with Nike figures, both with relief decorated plinths. One with a footrest with Empire ornamentation on three gilded sphinx’s feet and the shell in chain suspension held by the goddess of victory. The second with a curved plinth on paw feet and a cut crystal bowl, floral pierced lid, as well of chain suspension, of the winged Nike figure. ca. 1800. French. Bronze, gilded bronze, brown patinated bronze and a cut crystal bowl. Image © Very Important Lot and Stahl Auktionshaus, Hamburg. Fair use license. via https://veryimportantlot.com/en/lot/view/paar-musealer-empire-brule-parfum-gefasse-mit-nike-322654

Pair of six-light candelabra with Brûle-parfums, decorated with acanthus leaves and swans. Each with an elaborate scrolled acanthus wrapped shaft headed by a fluted and foliate wrapped cornucopia. The porcelain plaques decorated with differing scenes of cherubs amid clouds. ca. 1815-20. French. Gilt bronze and polychrome painted enamel with porcelain plaques. Attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843). Image © 2020 RICHARD REDDING ANTIQUES LTD. Fair use license. via https://www.richardreddingantiques.com/sold/categories/10/9619/

Centerpieces with inserts made from colorful opaline glass. Mostly French and created between 1830 and 1850. Very popular when Louis-Philippe of Orleans ruled France (1830-1848).

Silver plated centerpiece with a triangular base with four “puttini” , castings, placed in a sitting position with the stem, also castings, richly decorated with leaf motifs. Opaline glass bowl with wavy edges in shades of green. 1830-1850. French. Louis-Philippe of Orleans in style. Maker not known. Image © 1stdibs, Inc. 2020. Fair use license. via https://www.1stdibs.co.uk/furniture/dining-entertaining/sheffield-silverplate/louis-philippe-french-silver-plated-opaline-glass-bowl-centerpiece/id-f_14817642/
Centerpiece with a peach colored opaline glass bowl with an undulating rim, the body enameled with flowers. Mounted with gilded bronze Dore mounts. Probably mid 19th c. French. Maker not known. Image © 1998-2020 Ruby Lane, Inc. Fair use license. via https://www.rubylane.com/item/513876-1785/Antique-French-Peach-Opaline-Glass-Centrepiece
Green opaline glass with silver plated mounts in the form of two rampant lions holding balls on a triangular base. Antique. Maker not known. Image © 2002-2020 LiveAuctioneers and Prime Auction Gallery Inc, Pasadena. Fair use license. via https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/86383267_green-opaline-glass-and-silverplated-centerpiece

Decorative gilt-bronze panels. Some made to go over doors and some that was part of the paneling for a room. French.

Overdoor panel. 19th c. French. Gilt bronze. Maker not known. Image © 2002-2020 LiveAuctioneers and Hindman, Chicago. Fair use license. via https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/90381819_a-french-gilt-bronze-overdoor-panel
Cream painted and parcel-gilt panel made to be used in a paneled room and intended to go over a door. Foliate decoration with putti. One of 16 panels. ca. 1730. Louis XV. French. Maker not known. Image © CHRISTIE’S 2020. Fair use license. via https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/a-louis-xv-parcel-gilt-and-cream-painted-panelled-5597251-de
Cream painted and parcel-gilt panel made to be used in a paneled room. Foliate decoration with birds. One of 16 panels. ca. 1730. Louis XV. French. Maker not known. Image © CHRISTIE’S 2020. Fair use license. via https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/a-louis-xv-parcel-gilt-and-cream-painted-panelled-5597251-details.aspx

Egyptian Revival with a Tiffany Studios spin. Egyptian Revival has been going in and out of fashion for around 200 years. It always comes back. All of that with that extra fabulousness.

Bookends. ca. 1920. American. Gilt bronze with polychrome decoration. Maker’s marks: Impressed “TIFFANY STUDIOS/NEWYORK/2032” Image © 2020 Sotheby’s. Fair use license. via https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/design-2/tiffany-studios-pair-of-egyptian-bookends
Pair of cast bronze wall sconces/plaques with turtle bank inserts. ca. 1920. American. Maker’s marks: stamped “TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK.” Image  2020 © Antiquarian Traders, Inc. Fair use license. via http://antiquariantraders.com/shop-antiques/bronze/rare-pr-of-tiffany-cast-bronze-egyptian-revival-wall-sconesplaques/

Carved favrile glass Egyptian collar baluster form vase, the shoulder carved with a band of flowers. ca. 1912. American. Maker’s marks: Engraved “L. C. Tiffany Favrilte 7175N”. Image © 1stdibs.com, Inc. 2020. Fair use license. via https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/decorative-objects/vases-vessels/vases/carved-tiffany-favrile-glass-egyptian-collar-vasetiffany-studios/id-f_15598842/

Jugendstil desk decor. So much more fun than the office supply store. Peter Tereszczuk, designer. Living from 1875 to 1963, he was born in what is now part of the Ukraine but was then Austria. Known for his bronze Art Nouveau figurines.

Inkstand in the form of a couple in a rowing boat. Late 19th-early 20th c. Austrian. Gilt patinated cast bronze. Maker’s marks: Shaped base bearing signature and “A.R'” foundry stamp. Image © Tooveys, West Sussex. Fair use license. via https://www.tooveys.com/lots/429255/peter-tereszczuk-a-late-19thearly-20th-century-austrian-gilt
Bronze sculptural aquarium in patinated bronze with glass sides featuring at one end a finely modeled figure of a bathing maiden with a young boy, standing on a rocky outcrop at the water’s edge. ca. 1920. Austrian. Maker’s marks: Partial signature “ZUK” for Peter Tereszczuk and foundry mark “AR” for Arthur Rubenstein, Vienna. Image © Adrian Alan Fine Art & Antiques. Fair use license. via https://www.adrianalan.com/object-detail/835573/0/peter-tereszczuk-an-unusual-art-nouveau  

Pair of bronze table maps with glass lampshades. Jugendstil. Austrian. Maker’s marks: Marked and signed on the base. Image © proantic.com and Antique and Gallery Mignon. Fair use license. via https://www.proantic.com/en/display.php?mode=obj&id=604620

A few things to pick up that they don’t have at IKEA. Home decor in the French Empire style. Claude Galle, maker (1757-1815).

Pair of gilt-bronze ewers, the handles formed as satyrs and the body decorated with victories, masks of men, foliage and palmettes in applique. Pedestals resting on a quadrangular base. Empire. Gilt-bronze. Attributed to Claude Galle. Image ©  2020 Sotheby’s. Fair use license. via https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/the-french-touch-hommage-a-alain-et-catherine-bernard/a-pair-of-gilt-bronze-ewers-empire-attributed-to
Pair of “Aux Amours” vases with an elongated baluster form, both with handles formed as two winged putti resting their hands on the circular gadrooned rim of the vase with the handles arising from tapering acanthus leaves supporte on the back of a crouching winged griffin, each seated upon the head of a bearded Bacchic head. Anthemion band around the body of the vase above a fluted base above a spreading circular foot that rests upon a shaped plinth each side of which is mounted with alternate winged putto supporting a scrolled anthemion and a torchère surmounted by a griffin. 1805-1810. French. Attributed to Claude Galle. Image © 2020 RICHARD REDDING ANTIQUES LTD. Fair use license. via https://www.richardreddingantiques.com/artists/51-claude-galle-%28attributed-to%29/works/9997/
Pair of gilt-bronze two-light ormolu wall-lights (candle-holders). Each with an acanthus and palmette backplate issuing a winged harpy holding aloft in each hand a semi-circular foliate-wrapped trumpet-shaped branch supporting vase-shaped candle-holders. ca. 1810. French. Gilt-bronze and patinated bronze. Attributed to Claude Galle. Image © 2020 AnticStore and Galerie Philippe Guegan. Fair use license. via https://www.anticstore.art/79536P