Late 19th Century Napoléon III Gilt Bronze Sculpture of Putti and Champlevé Bowl With Marble Base, France

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Late 19th century Napoléon III gilt bronze sculpture of Putti and champlevé bowl with marble base, France

By: unknown
Material: … Read more Late 19th century Napoléon III gilt bronze sculpture of Putti and champlevé bowl with marble base, France

By: unknown
Material: bronze, copper, tin, metal, paint, enamel, stone, marble
Technique: cast, molded, polished, metalwork, champlevé, gilt, enameled, painted, hand-painted, hand-crafted
Dimensions: 6.25 in x 4.25 in x 5.5 in
Date: late 19th century
Style: Napoleon III, Neoclassical, Belle Époque
Place of origin: France

A modeled late 19th century French small sculpture piece composed of gilt bronze putti supporting a champlevé-enamelled bowl, conceived within the decorative language of the Napoléon III period. The figures are cast in the round with careful attention to proportion and surface modeling, their softly animated poses creating a balanced and symmetrical composition. The central bowl is enriched with polychrome enamel decoration applied through the champlevé technique, forming dense ornamental patterns that contrast with the warm gilt surfaces of the bronze. This interplay between sculptural form and decorative arts reflects a hallmark of the period, where historicist references and refined craftsmanship coexist. The ensemble is anchored by a rectangular marble base of pale tonality, providing visual stability while enhancing the material dialogue.

The work aligns with Belle Époque sensibilities through its emphasis on elegance, ornament, and technical refinement without excess. See less