Barbedienne, Gilded Bronze Box. France, 19th Century. Signed.

Rectangular gilt-bronze jewelry box from the Napoleon III period, signed F. Barbedienne.

It rests on four small spinning-top-shaped feet, supporting sides adorned with foliage. The front features a bas-relief depicting a scene of love, showing putti playing in the center of a rectangular frame.
The back panel features two other cherubs playing amid swirls of clouds and foliage, perfectly complementing the decoration on the lid.
The box’s edges are adorned with high-relief mascarons depicting women’s heads styled in the classical manner, surrounded by ribbons and drapery. The delicacy of the plant motifs is clearly evident, particularly the acanthus leaves, which follow the curve of the corner posts, attesting to the care taken in the quality of the castings by the Barbedienne workshop.
The hinged lid, which forms a raised pedestal with a flat terrace, is topped by a sculpture depicting a winged cherub, seated and leaning on a rolled-up scroll. His left arm holds a quiver. The chiseling of the wing feathers and hair is exceptionally delicate.
The lid is also adorned with a frieze of laurel garlands, as well as four ram’s heads, birds, and blooming flowers.

French work from the late 19th century.
Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810–1892), Paris.
Fine-chiseled bronze with original golden patina.

Dimensions :
Length: 9 cm
Width: 6 cm
Height: 9 cm

Weight: 587 g

In perfect condition. Minimal, if any, signs of aging.