Fruit Bowl Forming A Centerpiece In Silvered And Gilt Bronze From The Napoleon III Period

A large, oval-shaped fruit bowl/centerpiece in silvered and gilt bronze, richly decorated across its entire body with a ribboned torus and festoons of flowering laurel, finials, scrolls, acanthus leaf volutes, and ornamental motifs (vine tendrils, ears of wheat) appropriate to the purpose of this very fine decorative piece. Its sides are adorned with a mascaron depicting Priapus, the ancient patron saint of gardens and the fertility of nature. It has twin handles and a slightly curved base. Parisian work from the second half of the 19th century, Napoleon III period. PRIAPUS FOR A GUEST Likely intended to adorn a centerpiece, this superb, generously sized fruit bowl features an oval-shaped receptacle crafted from silvered bronze, set within a richly openwork gilt-bronze mount, its rim adorned with delicate ears of wheat. The upper portion is decorated with a generous torus encircled by laurel wreaths, and from these, acanthus florets, each topped with a pine cone bud, unfurl foliate scrolls and stylized, harmoniously flowing tendrils, graced with sinuous vine tendrils, all centered on corollas. In perfect symmetry, the lower portion is embellished with foliate scrolls, like blossoms from a corolla of lanceolate leaves, adorned with opulent garlands of flowering laurel, their festoons forming the base of the bowl. This ornamental repertoire undoubtedly evokes the bounty of Nature. Echoing the theme judiciously chosen for this highly decorative piece, mascarons with the cheerful, bearded, and horned faces of Priapus, the ancient, joyful Bard of Gardens and ancestral revelry, are arranged like clasps along the sides of the Cup. From their brows, encircled by a profusion of ivy leaves, spring forth, in twined handles, leafy acanthus scrolls studded with seeded rosettes, within which are nestled, blossoming ears of wheat—one of the attributes of Ceres, the goddess presiding over the Harvest and synonymous with all happy Abundance. With its confident and refined aesthetic, this generous serving bowl, harmonizing a notable decorative opulence with a symbolism tinged with epicureanism, is characteristic of the carefully designed creations of the second half of the 19th century. To contribute to the artistic presentation of the table, this type of ornamental piece, associated in those prosperous times with funnel-shaped vases, candlesticks, and other decorative objects, was a guarantee of convivial sumptuousness. With its striking presence, this fruit serving bowl will lend panache and cheer to any centerpiece. Materials: silvered bronze and gilt bronze. Dimensions: H: 23 cm; W: 70 cm; D: 43 cm. High-quality Parisian work in the Louis XVI style from the second half of the 19th century. Napoleon III period, circa 1870. Very good overall condition.