Henri Picard – Large Vase Of Grapevines Carried By A Bacchante – Patinated Bronze, 19th Century

A very beautiful and decorative sculpture in patinated bronze, signed by Henri Picard, depicting a Bacchante holding a large cup with flowing contours above her head.

The young woman is depicted standing in an elegant and dynamic pose, with both arms raised to support the cup. Her hair is adorned with vine shoots and bunches of grapes, attributes directly linked to the cult of Bacchus. A light drapery, tied around her waist and then draped over her shoulder, follows the figure’s movement and reveals much of her body.

At her feet unfolds a rich Bacchic decoration composed of vine shoots, bunches of grapes, and foliage, rendered with great depth. An overturned amphora completes the composition. The wide upper section, consisting almost entirely of a large leaf with irregular edges, gives the piece as a whole a particularly original and decorative silhouette.

The sculpture is made entirely of bronze with a brown patina, featuring beautiful lighter shades on the reliefs. The quality of the casting is very pleasing, particularly in the rendering of the face, hair, hands, drapery, and vegetation.

The work bears the signature of Henri Picard, a famous Parisian bronze artist and foundryman active in the 19th century. Based in Paris, Picard was among the most renowned manufacturers of decorative bronzes during the Second Empire. His workshop notably worked on major imperial decorative projects and supplied bronze pieces for Napoleon III’s apartments at the Louvre. His work is distinguished by its exceptionally meticulous craftsmanship and the quality of its casting and chiseling.

This Bacchante is a particularly captivating piece from his body of work: halfway between sculpture and decorative art, the figure itself serves as a base for the large upper bowl, likely intended to hold flowers, fruit, or decorative elements.

The piece rests on a circular black marble base, simple and elegant, which perfectly highlights the bronze’s patina.

A very beautiful decorative piece from the 19th century, notable as much for its Bacchic subject and fine craftsmanship as for the signature of Henri Picard, a sought-after Parisian bronze artist.

In very good overall condition, with a well-preserved antique patina and slight signs of wear consistent with the piece’s age.