Le Louvre French Antiques Centerpieces

Although the Rococo in France (where the style originated) lasted from roughly 1725 to 1760, other countries in Europe produced period art and furniture until the late 18th century. One such country was Italy and in particular, Venice, where this unusual carved walnut centerpiece was hand-carved, circa 1780. A large shell-form bowl with volute leaf embellishments is being held by three putti emerging from an undulating base. The wave pattern is reminiscent of a foaming sea, further indicated by the stylized dolphin tails emerging from the spray. All of the tails are textured with a lozenge-patterned background, protruding as high-relief elements. On the underside, the scalloped tips of the water swing down in three areas, forming well-disguised feet. The carvings of the centerpiece are quite exceptional, given the height and breadth of the piece. A wonderful decorative accessory for any large table, our walnut Venetian centerpiece...

Step into the world of exquisite 19th-century France with a 2-piece silvered bronze surtout de table. These magnificent pieces come adorned with highly shaped mirrors and are surroun...

Known in France as a surtout de table, this mirrored centerpiece is from circa 1900. The 13 ¾ inch diameter mirror is surrounded by a tripartite bronze base, which has been gilded using an ormolu technique, which is a coating of finely ground gold. Notice the bright color of the ormolu, indicating that a high-karat gold was used (total diameter is 17 1/2 inches). The edge of the mirrored section is surrounded by a thin ring of highly detailed grapevines. At the bottom edge of the base is another cluster of grapes, with much larger leaves. The second ring is interrupted on three occasions by a lobed leaf, each terminating in a thick, volute foot. Surtout de tables were often gilded or silvered or surrounded by exotic metals, making them highly sought-after furnishings. Typically, they were used as ornamental centerpieces on formal dining tables, allowing candlesticks and serving pieces to be displayed, although our mirrored ormolu surtout de table...

This elegant, two handled French urn has Rouen decoration throughout. It is hard paste, with a ground color of white and accompanying colors of orange, yellow, pale green, navy blue,...