G. Denière, Centerpiece, France, Circa 1850
Artist: G. Denière
An imposing centerpiece with a doublepatina characteristic of the stylistic eclecticism of the decorative arts during theSecond Empire.The piece rests on a wide,multilobed, molded, stepped bronze base with a dark patina. This base supports amighty bronze pedestal, richly gilded, whose ornamental repertoiredraws directly from the Rocaille style. It is lavishly adorned withacanthus leaves, powerful volutes, clasps, and, reflecting chiseling of great depth.The transition to the upper sectionis marked by a central knot against which rest patinated bronze putti.The shaft The shaft culminates in anarchitectural hexagonal capital, adorned with round cabochons. It supports alush cluster of light arms. These arms are vigorously scroll-cutand sculpted with foliage scrolls. They terminate in finials andgilded bronze lampshades, delicately chased with plant motifs, creating afinal luminous highlight at the top of the work. The electrical wiring wasadded later.
Biography
Guillaume Denière (Paris, 1815–1903)was a student of the famous ornamentalist Aimé Chenavard (1798–1838) and ofarchitect Henri Labrouste (1801–1875). In 1844, Denière succeeded his father,who had been established since 1804, at 15 rue Vivienne in Paris. The business was then veryprosperous, and four hundred workers were employed to fulfill the numerousorders from King Louis-Philippe and the upper middle class. He producedbronze furnishings, candelabra, clocks, and table centerpieces. He collaborated with numerous artists, including Carrier-Belleuse(1848–1913) and Constant Sévin (1821–1888). He delivered several clocks (Génieof the Arts, Reader, and Dog) for the Tuileries Palace in 1852; as well asa “globe” clock with rotating dials for the Grand Salon of theChâteau de Bagatelle. His centerpieces, characterized by a fluid yet vigorous style, asevidenced by the mantelpiece for the Duke of Orléans (1842), were hailed bycritics at the time. His works were frequently recognized at the World’s Fairs,to such an extent that Emperor Napoleon III purchased a1867. His fame spread throughout the world. Amonghis most prestigious commissions, Denière delivered a spectacular bronzefireplace screen in 1854 to the Russian ambassador, Kisselef, and decorative bronzesto the Viceroy of Egypt, Said Pasha, in 1862, as well as to the King of Cambodia, NorodomI (grilles for the Throne Room).
Biography
Guillaume Denière (Paris, 1815–1903)was a student of the famous ornamentalist Aimé Chenavard (1798–1838) and ofarchitect Henri Labrouste (1801–1875). In 1844, Denière succeeded his father,who had been established since 1804, at 15 rue Vivienne in Paris. The business was then veryprosperous, and four hundred workers were employed to fulfill the numerousorders from King Louis-Philippe and the upper middle class. He producedbronze furnishings, candelabra, clocks, and table centerpieces. He collaborated with numerous artists, including Carrier-Belleuse(1848–1913) and Constant Sévin (1821–1888). He delivered several clocks (Génieof the Arts, Reader, and Dog) for the Tuileries Palace in 1852; as well asa “globe” clock with rotating dials for the Grand Salon of theChâteau de Bagatelle. His centerpieces, characterized by a fluid yet vigorous style, asevidenced by the mantelpiece for the Duke of Orléans (1842), were hailed bycritics at the time. His works were frequently recognized at the World’s Fairs,to such an extent that Emperor Napoleon III purchased a1867. His fame spread throughout the world. Amonghis most prestigious commissions, Denière delivered a spectacular bronzefireplace screen in 1854 to the Russian ambassador, Kisselef, and decorative bronzesto the Viceroy of Egypt, Said Pasha, in 1862, as well as to the King of Cambodia, NorodomI (grilles for the Throne Room).
14 000 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Napoleon 3rd
Condition: Good condition
Diameter: 55
Height: 78
Reference (ID): 1828183
Availability: In stock
Print
