An Exceptional Russian Empire ormolu or gilt bronze, Malachite, and marble Papier Presse or paper weight, desk ornament. Russian, circa: 1805-1810. Measuring: 4.25" wide by 4.25" high. Weight: 5 pounds.
The fine bronze work depict two Cornucopia intertwined and resting upon a Malachite and Sienna marble rectangular plinth.
Lost wax method of bronze casting. Hand chasing and chiseling of the surface. The ormolu is Mercury gilded with both Matt finish and highly burnished areas of highlight. Gilding is original and in tact.
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Literature:
The cornucopia or "cornu Copiae" is, literally, the horn of plenty' and was first
introduced into the English language in 1508. The Cornucopia, which symbolizes
abundance, is usually seen as a curved goat's horn, filled to overflowing with fruit
and grain, but which could be filled with whatever the owner wished.
The horn of plenty was regarded as the symbol of inexhaustible riches and plenty and
became the attribute of several immortals. Another story tells about the fifth labor of
Hercules. Hercules fought the river-god Achelous, who could take the form of either a
snake or bull. Achelous failed to defeat Hercules as a snake and changed
into a bull. Hercules ripped his horn off and diverted the river. This land became
very fertile, and is a reference to the horn of plenty. Then the Naiads took the horn,
consecrated it, and filled it with fragrant flowers. In the Roman version it was the
Goddess Abundantia who adopted the horn and called it "Cornucopia".
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