Object Description
Exceptional very large ormolu and silvered bronze jardinière by Christofle
French, 19th Century
Height 44cm, width 93cm, depth 59cm
This superb jardinière centrepiece was crafted by the French firm Christofle. The exhibition piece is entitled “L’Abondance et la Fécondité” (Abundance and Fertility), and was made in 1868. It was shown at several notable exhibitions, including the 1869 Union Centrale des Arts Décoratifs exhibition, Paris, the 1873 Vienna World Fair, and the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle. The piece was designed collaboratively by notable French sculptor Jules Klagmann (1810-1867), along with Louis Adolphe Eude (1818-1899) and Auguste Madroux (1829-1871). An illustration of the piece can be seen in a catalogue of Christofle’s pieces at the 1869 exhibition.
Of an ovoid shape, the centrepiece is supported by six feet: a larger circular support at each end, decorated with scrollwork and foliage, plus two lion paw feet on each of the longer sides. The piece effortlessly combines silvered and gilded bronze throughout: the figural elements and interior liner are cast in silvered bronze, whilst the main body and fine details are cast in ormolu.
The main body is covered with a sculptural frieze, which depicts cherubs partaking in a Bacchic procession. Each cherub holds a different item, such as live animals, wine vessels, and food, evoking a sense of luxury and revelry. In the centre of the longer sides, the cherubs carry an ormolu standard on their shoulders. On the top of the flag sits the god Bacchus in a cherub form, signified by a host of items associated with the Roman god, including a laurel crown and an animal-skin cloak. Each cherub is superbly cast with an individual expression and pose, showcasing the skill of Christofle’s makers.
At each side is a figural handle, cast as an angel-form figurehead. The classical theme signifies that this female figure is the goddess Nike, often pictured as ‘winged victory’. The figureheads hold a bunch of fruit and flowers in each hand. Like the cherubs, the angel handles are excellently cast with a lifelike verisimilitude.
The maker’s mark (‘CHRISTOFLE & CIE’) can be seen on the base.
This truly extraordinary jardinière would make a showstopping addition to any home interior.