A 19th C. French Ormolu Champlevé Enamel Footed Centerpiece, Att. Barbedienne

Description

An Incredible 19th Century French Ormolu Champlevé Enamel Footed Centerpiece, Att. Barbedienne. This captivating piece stands as a testament to the impeccable craftsmanship of its era. Elevated on resplendent acanthus scrolled feet, this enameled ormolu bowl evokes a sense of grace and elegance. The four sides feature meticulously crafted enamel panels, adorned with mildly stylized foliate in designs. Delicately hand-painted enamels of roses, morning glory, and intricate red and yellow blossoms grace these panels, captivating the beholder's eye. Taking an oval shape, the bowl boasts two larger sections on each of its elongated sides, accompanied by two smaller, more rounded sections on either end. The smaller panels exhibit a serene pale blue background, while the longer side panels present a striking dark blue backdrop, enhancing the visual allure of this masterpiece. Exceptional in quality, this Jardinière showcases the intricate art of Champlevé enameling. Similar to cloisonné, this technique involves the application of enamel to discrete cells separated by metal. However, in Champlevé, the metal base features cast or cut-away cells, leaving raised metal lines that form the outline of the design. These cells are then meticulously filled with molten or powdered glass, which is subsequently fired to achieve its vibrant allure. The bronze sculpture ormolu body of the Jardinière boasts a breathtaking level of ornateness. Elaborate scrolls in high relief adorn the entire rim of the vase, gracefully ascending in the center of the front, back, and sides. Further enhancing its allure, a smooth shield of meticulously crafted ormolu adorns both the front and back of the Jardinière, augmenting its visual appeal. Hand chased and intricately carved, this highly ornate design showcases the skilled craftsmanship of the era, inviting admiration for its exceptional attention to detail and artistic finesse.

Details

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