Description
Exceptional early 20th century French gilt bronze and marble double inkwell featuring a central bust of lovers in the Neoclassical or Empire style. The romantic gilt bronze sculpture depicts a man and woman styled in classic Greek robes, embracing in a tender kiss with a garland of flowers uniting them. Based after the work by Jean-Antoine HOUDON (1741–1828) titled Le Baiser Donné (\"The Kiss Given\"). Flanked by two inkwells with hinged lids, richly decorated in fluted vertical panels, beaded borders, topped by artichoke finials. Opening to reveal blown clear glass inserts, each bearing their old paper labels indicating they were made in Czechoslovakia. Surmounted to a polished Nero Portoro marble base with long concaved grooved well serving as a pen rest, and for other writing or desk accessories such as a letter opener or wax seal. The piece rests on four beautifully casted feet in the form of lion paws integrated with stylized acanthus leaves, each marked to the underside with numbers 1022. Measures 13\" x 8 1/8\" x 7\" height. Weighs 15lbs alone. In overall good condition with general wear commensurate with age and use. There is a nick to the side edge of the marble base, it is mostly hidden by the veining but can be felt, the marble is in good condition otherwise.Houdon was born in 1747 in Versailles, died in Paris in 1828. He ranks among the most famous French sculptors of the 18th century and particularly of the Neoclassical period. Prized for the realistic rendering of his works and his extraordinary talent, it was at the Royal Academy that the young prodigy won the First Prize in Sculpture, the Prix de Rome, in 1761. He was known for his lifelike portrait busts ofphilosophers and statesmen like Voltaire, Denis Diderot, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. He traveled to Mount Vernon in 1785 to sculpt a life mask and statue of George Washington for the Virginia State Capitol. Some of his notedsculptures of Louise Brongniart, the daughterof the architect Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart, and the sister of Alexandre, the future director of the manufacture of Sèvres.
About Us
Welcome to the Antique Boutique. Our aim is to provide you with a wide selection of quality antiques and collectibles. We describe everything to the best of our ability and the pictures form part of the description. We try to gather as much information about the item before listing, in an effort to offer you with an accurate and honest description. Large, clear and detailed pictures of the item help in this endeavor. Opinion on the condition of an item can vary, depending on the person viewing it. Wear is to be expected due to age and use. Note that the item in the pictures may be larger or smaller in actuality, the pictures do not represent size. Please check the description for dimensions. Signature delivery required on $200+ value. Contact us with any questions and postage inquiries prior to purchase.
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