Ref.10634
Antique Troubadour style 5 pieces clock set, cast iron and Paris porcelain

This important Troubadour style fireplace garniture was realized in the 19th century. It includes a clock, two candelabras with six branches and two candlesticks, the set being made out of cast iron decorated with Paris porcelain. A knight in armor leaning on an ax, his cuirass and shield on the ground, is accompanied by his young squire. He sets foot on an enemy flag. The group is mounted on a pedestal evoking medieval architecture by arches and a pediment in Neo-Gothic style . Three sides are decorated with painted porcelain plates, with grisaille decorations on a beautiful starry blue background. The deep blue is highlighted by golden paint and pink and water-green ornaments, evoking the art of illuminations. The dial is decorated with medieval grisaille arms on a star-blue background. Two hands, chiselled with interlacings, indicate the hours painted in gold. Under the central panel an oval medallion depicts a medieval king, framed by crawling dragons. On each side, the arc-shaped porcelain plates represent knights in picturesque armor, in an ark decorated with chimeras, and in front of which cast iron war trophies are placed. The two large six-branched candelabra, and the two small candlesticks, are also decorated with medallions depicting weapons and kings' faces, and their shape recalls a legendary Middle Ages. The long hair of the characters, with large mustaches and winged helmets, indicate fantastic Gaulish warriors, perhaps Vercingetorix, whose memory had been popularized by Napoleon III.

Ref.13617
Hercule, rare vase by Carrier-Belleuse.

Presented at the 1898 Salon of the National society of Beaux-Arts, under the number 4060, with three other vases: 'Save yourself!', 'Children and butterflies' (kept at the Petit Palais Museum in Paris) and 'Music'. Reproduced in 'The antique and modern decoration', 7th year, 1900, planche 66.

Ref.13390
Cast iron fireback with the coat of arms of France

Cast iron fireback with the coat of arms of the House of Bourbon, a royal house of French origin that became a major dynasty in Europe, with kings in Spain (Navarre), France, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and Parma. Bourbon kings ruled in France from 1589 until the French Revolution, and for short periods thereafter. The coat of arms consists of a crown surmounting a medallion adorned with three fleur-de-lys, symbol of purity and royalty. The palm leaves on either side of the medallion symbolise victory. The date "1784" is inscribed above the coat of arms.