19th Century Louis XVI Style Green Marble and Gilt Bronze Cassolettes, Set of 2

Details

Description

A pair of cassolettes made of green marble with gilt bronze mounts. The stone has a dark green base color … Read more A pair of cassolettes made of green marble with gilt bronze mounts. The stone has a dark green base color with light, wavy veining; because of this pattern, it is often called vert de mer—sea green.

The slender, urn-shaped body is supported by a wreath of leaves and transitions into a turned baluster base, which rests on a square marble base with a beaded border. The lids are removable.

The bronze mounts are finely chased: Two Bacchante masks with flower-woven hair adorn the shoulders—a motif that Neoclassicism adopted from ancient sacrificial urns, where masks and garlands served as decoration. A three-dimensional floral garland runs between the masks. The neck ring is decorated with an openwork circular frieze and a band of leaves, and the casserole is topped with a lid featuring a leaf-shaped calyx and pine cone.

Use

Cassolettes were originally used as perfume containers. Incense, scented pastilles, or aromatic essences were placed inside; the openwork circular frieze around the neck allowed the fragrance to escape. They were displayed in pairs on mantelpieces, consoles, or chests of drawers—serving both as a source of fragrance and as decorative objects.

Condition

The marble is undamaged, without cracks or signs of restoration. The casolettes have been cleaned and are in their original condition.

Dimensions and Design

Height: 44 cm
Diameter: 16 cm
Material: Green marble (vert de mer), gilt bronze
Decoration: Bacchante masks, floral garlands, openwork circular frieze, beaded band, pine cones
Features: Removable lids
Quantity: Pair
Style: Louis XVI
Date of Origin: 19th century
Condition: Original condition, cleaned; marble undamaged, no cracks, no signs of restoration See less