Trinket Tray: White Baroque Marble Veined With Grey, With A Bronze Bust Of Voltaire, Barbedienne, 19th Century

A rare and generous Louis XV Baroque-style marble trinket tray, its creamy white color veined with grey-green (reminiscent of Roquefort cheese), rests on four solid bronze feet. The front features a large openwork section, highlighted above by sculpted scrollwork with a wide border. On the two rear sides are smaller openwork sections, framing the handsome bust of Voltaire on its fluted, gilt bronze base. The magnificent bust, with its characteristic expression of an aged and mischievous Voltaire, dominates this lovely piece. Thanks to the quality of the renowned Barbedienne foundry, its size, chiseling, and patina contribute to the presentation of this exquisite and elegant object, in perfect condition. A truly significant decorative piece, it is an exceptional item with a proud bearing, imbued with all the magic of Enlightenment learning.