Ref.13295
Small Louis XVI style fireback with an Allegory of Love

This antique Louis XVI style fireback was made in the 19th century. It depicts a scene where two hearts are burning on an altar surrounded by a laurel branches crown and flanked by a quiver with its arrows and a torch, the attributes of Love.

Ref.14144
Large Empire period frame

Rare large Empire period frame with several decorative friezes. The first band decorated towards the inside is adorned with alternating bees and stars, and palmettes in the corners. The upper frieze is decorated with a frieze of palmettes and plant motifs. The frame is made of wood and is keyed.

Ref.14516
Pair of decorative canvases on the theme of music in the 18th century taste

Pair of important canvases with a gold background and decorative motifs on the theme of love and music. The ornamental repertoire borrows various images and symbols from 18th century art. This pair of decorative canvases was probably part of a larger set.

Ref.10946
BACCARAT, Pair of Mounted Vases, circa 1878

This pair of vases, with an elegant flare, is characterized by its alternating colors. This is obtained through the creation of a double crystal, transparent on the inside and red on the outside. The brilliant red bands are engraved with geometric and floral patterns on the wheel, while the inner layer, released using acid or sandblasting, has the matte appearance of frosted glass. These vases are set in a gilded bronze frame resting on three elegantly curved legs, finished with balls. Medallions inscribed with the profiles of ancient Greek characters are present at the top and at the base of the frame. Finely chiseled, the frame follows the shape of the vase, and echoes the upper part, flaring towards the base. Founded under Louis XV, the French crystal factory Baccarat demonstrated its excellence at Universal Exhibitions throughout the 19th century. The Baccarat crystal factory also created a bowl on a tripod, of which it still has a copy in its heritage collection. There is a red crystal and a transparent one. Like our vases, it is decorated with classically inspired friezes and rests on a gilded bronze tripod.

Ref.15609
Jacques Louis KESSLER, Pair of Vases Engraved with Greek Revival Decor Using the “Kessler” Process, mid-19th century

This pair of vases, crafted in the 19th century, was made using a technique developed by engineer Jacques Louis Kessler in 1855 and patented in 1858. The decoration of these two vases, made of double-layered crystal (blue on the outside and transparent on the inside), was achieved using Kessler’s engraving process. This innovative method utilized alkaline fluorides mixed with acids and a system of stencils, allowing for an immediate contrast between a bright, colored design and a matt background. The Baccarat crystal manufacturer later acquired exclusive rights to this patented process, which brought them widespread acclaim during the 1867 Paris Exhibition. These baluster-shaped vases feature neo-Greek ornamentation, alternating between blue-toned designs and matt crystal. Their clean, elegant lines are accented by several ornamental blue crystal bands. The decoration is composed of three primary scenes: the first depicts two combatants. The second portrays a winged Victory holding a palm in one hand while crowning a resting warrior with laurel in the other; the warrior stands before her. The third depicts three figures: a woman playing the lyre for a king holding a long scepter, with a young ephebe standing behind him. The scenes are separated by depictions of weapon trophies. The iconography draws inspiration from scenes commonly found on ancient Greek vases, while emphasizing the fluidity of the figures’ movements and features. Each vase rests on a circular mount supported by four spheres, with one vase bearing the number “2” engraved under its base. When Baccarat acquired the rights to Kessler’s technique, the company used it to create similar pieces, incorporating this innovative method into its repertoire. At the 1867 Paris Exhibition, Baccarat showcased a celestial blue crystal punch bowl and matching glasses engraved using this process; this set is now housed at the Corning Museum of Glass. The Galerie Marc Maison also presents an elegant neo-Greek vase made using the same technique (reference 15013). Due to Baccarat’s early acquisition of Kessler’s patent, vases like ours remain rare examples of the exceptional quality of pieces produced before the patent transfer, representing some of the earliest works created using Kessler’s revolutionary innovation.