A pair of ormolu table centrepieces

A pair of ormolu table centrepieces

The bases filled with wood. Cast in several parts and screw-mounted. Shallow stembowls with scroll handles and shafts formed as finely chased models of dolphins on columnar plinths. H 25 cm.
Attributed to Paris, around 1820 - 30.

This type of "milieu de table", a basket or bowl supported by sculpted figures on column bases, is generally attributed to the production of Pierre-Philippe Thomire, who traded under the name "Thomire & Compagnie" as of 1819. The unusual and finely executed dolphin figures could indicate a commission from the time of the last dauphin. Louis Antoine d'Artois duc d'Angoulême (1775 - 1844) was the eldest son of the Bourbon King Charles X, who was forced to abdicate in 1830 - father and son went into exile. The next French king, Louis-Philippe I, came from the House of Orléans.

Provenance

Formerly owned by Prince Friedrich Wilhelm Karl of Prussia (1783 - 1851).

Acquired from Kunsthandel Christian Eduard Franke, Bamberg, in 2018.

Literature

Cf. Ottomeyer/Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen. Die Bronzearbeiten des Spätbarock und Klassizismus, vol. I, Munich 1986, fig. 5.16.4. ff.