A Fine and Exceptional French Empire Ormolu and or gilded bronze plaque sculpture.
French Empire. Circa: 1810. Measuring Site/Image: 6" by 7" and Framed: 10.5" by 11.5".
This fine plaque depicts in profile relief portraits of Napoleon and Josephine. Raised in a circular plaque with quality
details and composition each face looks to left with Napoleon's overlaying Josephine's. The round plaque is mounted
within a mahogany wood matte that boasts an Ormolu rose on each corner. The Entire Sculpture is mounted within
its period water gilt frame.
This plaque is of the finest bronze casting from the lost wax
method. Hand chased and then mercury gilded with Imperial amounts of gold. It is done in the most brilliant of
highly burnished gilding on the contrasting areas from the rich matte areas so much so that it has the reflective quality
of a mirror. Superb original condition. The frame is also original and period and exhibits most all its original water
gilding.
Similar plaques with this image profile depicting Napoleon and Josephine can be found but the majority of
which are late 19th century and just "decorative". This art work is an original period work from the time when
Napoleon was in power in France. It is such rare works of art like this one, that later pieces are copied and or
inspired from. |
