Set Of Four Winged Putti In Solid Silver On Green Marble Bases – 19th Century

Set of four winged putti in solid silver on green marble bases – 19th century

A rare decorative set consisting of four cast solid silver sculptures depicting winged putti with Bacchic attributes, each mounted on a tall cylindrical pedestal of veined green marble.

Created in the 19th century in the style of the 18th century, these four figures were designed as a set forming two complementary pairs. The putti are depicted seated in various poses, their legs casually draped over the edge of their pedestals. The modeling of the bodies, faces, and hair is entirely sculpted, as are the wings, whose plumage is finely detailed.

The iconography belongs to the Bacchic repertoire: the figures hold bunches of grapes, vine shoots, and garlands of vines. One holds up a bunch of grapes in his hand, while his counterpart holds a garland laden with fruit and foliage. This alternation of attributes and poses allows the four sculptures to be arranged in pairs, creating a symmetrical composition.

Each putto is crafted from cast solid silver, with genuine sculptural work in three dimensions. The different poses, the anatomical rendering of the figures, the hair, the wings, and the plant motifs give each one its own distinct character while maintaining perfect overall coherence.

The sculptures bear apocryphal hallmarks imitating 18th-century hallmarks, a practice found in certain 19th-century historicist works intended to evoke antique goldsmithing. A striche—a small zigzag mark—is also stamped on each figure. These marks should therefore be considered part of the set’s historicist design and not as hallmarks authenticating 18th-century production.

Each sculpture rests on a cylindrical pedestal of veined green marble, with a circular, molded base. The contrast between the dark mass of the marble and the brilliance of the silver particularly highlights the figures’ modeling.

Designed as a complete set of decorative table sculptures, these four pieces can be displayed individually, in pairs, or grouped together in a composition, particularly on a table runner. Their matching design allows for the creation of a symmetrical arrangement around a centerpiece.

The set is complete and in perfect condition, both the four silver sculptures and their marble bases.

Characteristics:

• Period: 19th century
• Set: four sculptures forming two pairs
• Subject: winged putti with Bacchic attributes
• Attributes: bunches of grapes, vine leaves, and garlands
• Material of the sculptures: cast solid silver
• Technique: sculpture in the round
• Markings: apocryphal hallmarks in the 18th-century style and a striche
• Bases: veined green marble
• Height of each sculpture with its base: 15 cm
• Gross weight of all four pieces with their bases: 2.932 kg
• Condition: perfect condition