Pair of Gilt Bronze & Onyx Jardiniere by Edouard Lievre

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Pair of Gilt Bronze & Onyx Jardiniere by Edouard Lievre

They feature a central urn-shaped body made of a pale, … Read more Pair of Gilt Bronze & Onyx Jardiniere by Edouard Lievre

They feature a central urn-shaped body made of a pale, polished stone, onyx, with natural red/brown veining running through it. The urns are seated on square bases of the same stone, which are in turn mounted on elaborate gilt bronze pedestals. These pedestals are highly decorative, featuring intricate scrolling acanthus leaf patterns, floral motifs, and possibly other classical embellishments typical of the Louis XVI and Napoleon III styles.

Historically, during the 19th century, such elaborate pieces served as both functional lighting fixtures (if fitted to hold candles or electrified as lamps) and significant decorative objects in affluent homes, complementing the interior décor of drawing rooms, dining rooms, and hallways.

The artist, Édouard Lièvre, was a French artist, painter, illustrator, cabinet maker, engraver and designer of ornamental art. He is most notable for the bed he designed in 1877 for the courtesan Valtesse de la Bigne. See less