19th C French Onyx and French Empire Champleve Pedestal

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French Empire Revival Green Onyx and Champlevé Enamel Pedestal, Late 19th/Early 20th Century
A magnificent and highly decorative French Empire … Read more French Empire Revival Green Onyx and Champlevé Enamel Pedestal, Late 19th/Early 20th Century
A magnificent and highly decorative French Empire Revival pedestal in green onyx, richly embellished with champlevé enamel and gilt-bronze mounts, dating from the late nineteenth to early twentieth century. Tall, architectural and exceptionally colorful, this impressive pedestal combines the natural beauty of richly veined onyx with elaborate metalwork and jewel-like enamel decoration, creating a luxurious display stand characteristic of the French Belle Époque fascination with historic revival styles.
The pedestal is constructed principally from green onyx, displaying wonderfully translucent tones ranging from pale celadon and soft green to cream, amber and warm honey. Natural variations and veining run throughout the stone, ensuring that every section has an individual character. Contrasting panels of red and pink-veined onyx or marble have been introduced around the capital, base and architectural details, creating a particularly attractive contrast with the softer green central shaft.
The square top provides a substantial platform suitable for displaying a bronze, urn, vase, sculpture or other important decorative object. Its moulded edge incorporates contrasting reddish stone, immediately establishing the rich polychromatic character of the pedestal.
Beneath the top is an elaborate architectural capital incorporating gilt-bronze mouldings and champlevé enamel decoration. The enamel band is particularly striking, with intricate scrolling and foliate patterns worked in vivid shades of blue, red, white and other colors. In the champlevé technique, recessed areas of a metal surface are filled with colored enamel and fired, leaving the surrounding metal visible as part of the design. The result is a durable, richly colored decoration with an almost jewel-like appearance.
The tall rectangular shaft is framed by delicate gilt-bronze beaded borders and centered toward the upper portion by an elaborate applied gilt-bronze mount. This finely modelled ornament incorporates classical and foliate elements arranged vertically, providing a strong decorative focal point against the luminous green stone.
Toward the base of the shaft is a second champlevé enamel ornament, formed as an elegant pointed arabesque with intricate interlacing patterns. Its brilliant blues, reds and whites stand out dramatically against the pale green onyx and visually connect with the enamel decoration beneath the capital.
The pedestal rises from an unusually elaborate stepped architectural base. Four projecting corner blocks are surmounted by finely cast gilt-bronze finials of stylized foliate or flame form. Contrasting reddish stone blocks beneath these ornaments further emphasize the rich combination of materials. The broad lower plinth is composed of pale onyx dramatically marked with natural rust, amber and reddish veining.
Stylistically, the pedestal combines the strong architectural symmetry of the French Empire and neoclassical traditions with the lavish polychrome decoration favored during the later nineteenth century. Its formal proportions are softened by the natural movement of the onyx and enlivened by the brilliant champlevé enamel.
With its impressive height, substantial construction, beautifully figured green onyx, contrasting stonework, gilt-bronze mounts and exceptionally decorative champlevé enamel, this pedestal is a commanding example of French decorative craftsmanship. Designed to elevate and enhance an important object, it possesses enough visual presence and richness of material to stand as a significant decorative work in its own right.
Dimensions: 47.5 inches tall x 16 inches wide x 16 inches deep See less