Late 19th Century Patinated and Gilded Bronze Parlor Aquarium

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Description

A rare French parlor aquarium in patinated and gilt bronze, with clear glass panels, in a historicist style with Rococo … Read more A rare French parlor aquarium in patinated and gilt bronze, with clear glass panels, in a historicist style with Rococo influences, made in the late 19th or early 20th century.

The rectangular tank is entirely mounted within a richly openwork bronze structure, adorned with foliate scrolls, Rococo motifs, and decorative elements in relief. The particularly striking base consists of four strongly sculpted feet, embellished with chimeric figures and fantastical motifs.

with its ornate richness and unique character, this piece belongs to the tradition of parlor aquariums, objects of curiosity and furnishings that saw significant development in European interiors during the second half of the 19th century and continued in the historicist taste of the turn of the 20th century.

The glass panels, which have remained transparent, show traces of old limescale, likely indicating that the tank was once filled with water. The joints have been repaired at a later date.

The frame displays a beautiful, dark brown patina, punctuated with verdigris and traces of gilding, as well as wear consistent with its age and use.

France, late 19th – early 20th century. See less