Henri Picard (active 1831–1864) — Pair Of Patinated And Gilt-bronze Cassolettes, Circa 1850–186

HENRI PICARD (active 1831–1864)
Pair of cassolettes in patinated and gilt bronze, with rocaille quadrilobed bowls chased with foliate scrolls and masks in relief, flanked by two fully modelled handles in the form of putti or Amours blowing horns. The fluted baluster stem rests on a substantial, scrolling rocaille base.
France, Paris. Nineteenth century, Louis XV / Second Empire style (circa 1850–1860).
H_22 cm
Very good condition.

A renowned Parisian founder and gilder, established first on Rue Jarente and later on Rue de la Perle, Henri Picard became one of the most admired craftsmen of the mid-nineteenth century. Celebrated for the exceptional quality of his chasing and the refinement of his gilding, he worked for a prestigious private clientele as well as for Imperial commissions. He supplied decorative objects, including mantelpiece garnitures and works of art, for the apartments of Napoleon III at the Louvre.collections.

This pair of cassolettes illustrates Picard’s mastery of the Louis XV and Rocaille vocabulary, which was revived under the Second Empire. The sculptural integration of the horn-blowing Amours as handles, combined with the lively foliate scrollwork and theatrical masks, demonstrates the plastic virtuosity and attention to detail characteristic of Parisian bronze work of the period.