Pair Of Athenian-style Censels Decorated With Young Fauns Forming Torches.

An elegant pair of cassolettes in the form of Athenian censers, crafted in white marble and gilt bronze during the 19th century in the Louis XVI style, directly inspired by late 18th-century models and the classical repertoire. Each piece rests on a particularly refined tripod base, composed of three gilt bronze figures sculpted in the round. These figures, somewhere between putti and young fauns with a Bacchic theme, are finely and expressively modeled. Their legs, ending in hooves reminiscent of deer feet, lend the whole a lively and slightly whimsical touch, characteristic of the Neoclassical taste. The white marble body, with its soft and balanced lines, is adorned with finely chiseled gilt bronze garlands. The entire piece rests on architecturally shaped marble bases, enhanced by gilt bronze mounts that elegantly accentuate the lines of the composition. The removable and reversible lids allow them to be transformed into candelabra, an emblematic function of this type of object, combining decorative and utilitarian uses. The exceptional quality of execution of this pair is noteworthy, both in the fineness of the chasing and in its state of preservation. The original gilding, remarkably well preserved, retains all its freshness and highlights the relief of the bronzes. The delicately rendered faces of the figures demonstrate a superior level of craftsmanship compared to that found on more common 19th-century models. The perfectly preserved marble bases exhibit a beautiful homogeneity, and the entirely original assembly, including its threads and nuts, attests to meticulous craftsmanship. Dimensions: Height: 24 cm