French Decorative Objects

Provenance : - Kunsthaus Heinrich Hahn, Frankfurt am Main, sale 16, June 17, 1930, lot 16. - Sotheby's, Amsterdam, Feb. 26, 2006, lot 201. HISTORIC Located between Moselle valley and Meuse valley, framed by the Vosges Mountains on the south side and the duchy of Luxembourg on the north side, the duchy of Lorraine is the result of several partitions. It starts with the 9th century when the Carolingian empire is divided, with Lothar 1st inheriting Lotharingia. In 959 this territory was in turn divided in two; Lower and Upper Lotharingia, the latter being the forebear of the duchy of Lorraine. This duchy was under the rule of the Holy Roman Germanic Empire until 1736 when it was absorbed by the kingdom of France. All along its history the duchy of Lorraine has found itself in the midst of many conflicts. Alliances and feuds marking European history were always particularly sensible in Lorraine where instability was frequent. Because of its geographic position the duchy of Lorraine was also an artistic crossroad. Hence the duchy of Lorraine becomes from the 13th century onwards an important artistic centre where a particular type of Virgin and Child appears. According to professor J. A. Schmoll the characteristics of Lorraine sculpture burgeon around 1280-1300 in the Aube region. It presents “vigorous volumes, restrained movements, rare but solemn gestures and a strong interiorised and stern expression”. Those Virgins look similar with a wide forehead, a shield- or oval-shaped face, large neck, small lips and a cleft chin. This model is particularly in favour during the 13th century because of the revival for Marial worship and for the theme of the Virgin and Child. It bears witness to a new religious sensibility with a more intimate vision of religious practice. DESCRIPTION The important 14th century Virgin we present to you is one of the most beautiful examples of sculptural art from Eastern France, with her fascinating distant gaze. Her contrapposto posture is induced by the weight of the child she carries high on her left side. The child has a chubby face framed by blond hair with well defined curls and he wears a long red V-collared tunic from which emerge his feet. The fabric is animated by long folds. The position of the right foot turned to the back is a detail we can notice on several Virgins from Lorraine. He holds a bird that seems to be pecking his thumb. “The bird /held by the child in his hands/ has been read as a reference to an episode from Christ’s childhood when he has moulded sparrows with clay before giving them life. It appears in the apocryphal gospel of Pseudo-Matthew (ch. 27) and later in the Quran (III, 43, v. 110). However the iconography seems to be more influenced by the concept of Redemption or of Eucharist, the bird symbolising the soul of the Christian about to be redeemed or revitalised.” Mary wears a long dress with two rock crystal cabochons remaining from the original five. She is covered by a red cloak enriched with old-gold motifs draped as an apron falling in long pleats along her left hip. The relief treatment and the volume of the cloak developing a network of concentric pleats contrast with the the flat pleating of her dress. They nevertheless suggest the curve of her bent right leg. She wears a floret crown securing a short thin veil carved in very low relief. From it emerges her blond curled hair characteristic of the 13th century. The large face with almond-shaped eyes, straight nose, small lips and cleft chin casts its gaze afar in a fashion typical of 13th century Virgins. In her right hand she holds a lily flower. In a very refined manner the artist has carved a band on her right ring-finger. In the back, carefully sculpted, spreads the minutely detailed short veil. COMPARATIVE STUDIES This sculpture of great quality presents obvious similarities with Virgins from Lorraine, designated by William Forsythe...

A fine pair of brass ram’s heads in the Ibex style of designer Alain Chervet, most likely used as a table base for a glass top table. This pair is unsigned, dating to the 1970s, in v...

Hector Guimard was a renowned French architect and designer who is best known for his Art Nouveau style. He was born in Lyon in 1867 and later moved to Paris, where he became a promi...

A very good antique French patinated bronze Grand Tour model of the Column de Vendome, Paris, circa 1860. A fine cast bronze model of the famous Paris monument...

Art Deco 1930s ceramic powder bowl signed by Artist LLANE with manufacturers mark underneath. Beautiful vibrant coloring with fine and delicate detailing to the face, beautifully and...

A beautiful 19th century French handblown green glass demijohn or Dame Jeanne bottle, circa 1880s, having a bulbous shape and brightly colored green glass with visible bubbles and no seams, an indication that it was hand blown rather than made with a mold. The uneven cut at the top rim was created when the glass blower cut the bottle, also an indication that it was hand blown. Originally used for storing wine and spirits, demijohns are used today as decorative accessories in the home or re-purposed into lamps. ?We have several different shapes and sizes to choose from. Please contact us for sizes and pics of other bottles. This listing is for the one bottle. The term demijohn or Dame Jeanne as it's known in France, refers to any glass vessel with a large body and small neck. Legend has it that on a stormy night...

This exquisite 20th Century French model boat beautifully captures the elegance and intricacy of traditional French maritime craftsmanship. Carefully han...

Alfred Louis Achille DAGUET (1875 - 1942) was a metalsmith active in Paris during the first part of the 20th century. His metalwork created prior to the outbreak of World War I, note...

Magnificent midcentury French three-piece gilt bronze Ormolu garniture set. The set consists of a clock and two Six-light candelabrum in the Louis XV style with floral and Grape ...

Late 19th Century L. Marti et Cie French Napoleon III style Mantel Clock & Garniture Set. The beautifully designed lcock is made from slate with filigree engraving, reuge marble pan...

Danseuse Païenne (pagan dancer) graceful sculpture of a dancer Design by Alexandre-Joseph Derenne for Max Le Verrier Patinated spelter Marble base Original Art Déco, Franc...

Art Déco painted enameled porcelain cat-shapped box by Édouard Marcel Sandoz for Theodore Haviland By: Édouard Marcel Sandoz, Theodore Haviland Material: ceramic, porcelain, paint, ...

Place this elegant, antique Napoleon III silverplated box in your master bath to keep your jewelry safe and organized. Crafted in France circa 1870, and built of bronze, the rectangular casket with raised top, sits on small scrolled feet, and is dressed with lion face handles on both sides. All sides including the top are decorated with detailed repousse floral and leaf motifs in high relief throughout; the top is decorated with a oval medallion featuring Poseidon, one of the Twelve Olympians in ancient Greek religion and mythology...

A very large model of an Air France Boeing 707 / Château de Chambord dating to c.1959. Very good condition with minor livery wear, commensurate with age and use. The wings span 26...

This long antique two-piece "Poissonniere" (or fish pot) was crafted in France, circa 1860. Made of copper and rectangular in shape with rounded ends, the classic French copper fish poacher is designed for poaching whole fish, such as salmon or trout, and features a long, oval shape ideal for this culinary task. The copper construction not only provides excellent heat conduction for even cooking but also showcases the beautiful, warm patina that copper acquires over time. The sturdy, riveted iron handles on either side suggest it was crafted for practical kitchen use while maintaining elegance in its form. This poacher would have been a prized tool in a traditional French kitchen, reflecting both the artistry and functionality valued in 19th-century French cookware...

A very beautiful, simple and graphic cylindrical basket with helical movement, Modernist, Free-Form, Brutalist, Popular Art, rigorous cylindrical structure in bamboo, spiral wicker b...

Set of two French circa 1930s “throwing dummies”. Darker Brown: 22”W x 21.75”D x 61”H Lighter Brown: 25”W x 18”D x 61”H European “throwing dummy”. These incredible works of art w...

An Aesthetic Movement mantel or bracket clock, Signed James Aitchison, Paris in the number 12, with finely carved floral decoration to the front and sides, a french city evening scen...

A brilliant turquoise Art Deco pottery jardinière made by the French faiencerie Longwy circa 1920. The jardiniere was part of a special line for the Atelier Primavera, the in-house design studio in the Paris department store Au Printemps.⁠ The atelier, created in 1912, aimed to provide affordable modern French design to middle-class consumers. It was the first time a Parisian magasin developed its own line of products. Primavera contracted production to craftsmen, designers, and manufactories, hence Longwy’s association with the studio. Primavera flourished in the Art Deco period, and Longwy’s Art Deco...

A fine French Louis XVI Style gilt and patinated bronze and white marble figural mantel clock with a figure of a drummer cherub. The brown patina cupid, seated on gilt-bronze clouds ...

Emile Louis Picault (1833-1915) « LE TRAVAIL » bronze statue The bronze statue 'Le Travail' by Émile Louis Picault is much more than a mere work of art. It embodies the very essence...

Mathieu Mategot White perforated metal basket from 20th century design Realised circa 1950 Original good condition Height 22 cm Large 21 cm Depth 16 cm

Luxury at its finest, high-end crystal vase made and signed by Baccarat.  The form of the Baccarat Clear crystal Ginkgo Extra vase is a perfect homage to its namesake, the ginkgo bil...

Art Glass vase by Hermann Michel, 12, rue Martel, Paris, France, 1920s. Three flowers and butterflies. Height : 7.5"(19cm), Diameter : 8.1"(20.5cm). Signed "HEM" (see last photo). Ma...

Vintage Limoges France Mini Picture in Wood and Porcelain with Romantic Scene Type Mini Picture Brand Limoges Material Porcelain an Wood Subject Romantic Finish Painted Shape Round ...

Sculpture of a panther from Art Deco period France made of metal with a black marble base. This figure is in a natural walking pose and is quite eye catching. It features the origina...

19th Century French Majolica Flowers Jardiniere Onnaing.

French Art Deco sculpture by P.Sega, France, 1920s. Young girl playing with a dog. Cold painted spelter and marble. Measures: Width : 13.1"(33.2cm), Height : 10.2"(26cm), Depth : 3.9...

Stylish pair of Art Deco silvered panther leopard bookends signed by the French artist Maurice Frecourt, circa 1930. The sculptures are mounted on fin...

Rene Lalique clear, frosted & enamelled glass 'Nemours' Bowl. This pattern features a pattern of deeply molded, black centred flowers. Moulded makers mark, 'R.LALIQUE FRANCE'. Book r...

French Art Deco stoneware vase by Louis DAGE (Antony, Paris), France, ca.1920. Important enamel applications. Height: 10"(25.5cm), Diameter: 6.7"(17cm). Signed "LDage" under the base...

Vintage Ceramic Pitcher and 3 Goblets with Vertical Stripes signed by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tables ...

French Victorian bronze doré figure of peacock sculpture signed (LeSoudier).

Clock with crystal made with pure crystal glass sanded paste with led diodes inside. With color change system. Base in polished stainless steel mirror...

Impressive Art Deco figural table lamp of a standing nude holding a glass shade, Clarté, LUMINA Measures: H. 65 cm or 25.6 inch tall. Designed by Max Le Verrier in France, 1928. Orig...

PRESENTING A STUNNING little French Ring Box from the 18th Century, namely a French Louis XVI Brass and MOP Box with Miniature Portrait of Lady. Box inlaid wi...

Pair of magnificent French neoclassical 950 silver 7-light candelabra, ca 1880. Each: Six leaf-wrapped s-scroll arms each terminating in single leaf-and-dart socket, mounted to centr...

Mid-century bamboo and rattan trash can or paper bin, France, 1950s. Height : 21.4"(54.3cm), Width : 13.6"(34.5cm), Depth : 11.2"(28.5cm)

OLYMPIA Big, dynamic sculpure of an Greek athlete. Colored patinated white bronze with original patina. Sloping stone base with signature. Original ...

Found in France, this large circa 1900 traditional rustic French pot is over 13” tall and has two curved handles and a pale mustard glaze accented with a design of green branches. So...

This is a superb, attributed Adrien Gaudez sculpture titled " Acteon" which in Greek is Actaeon the mythical Theban hero showing him poised to throw a spear at prey. The definition ...

A pair of Napoleon III period porcelain covered vases, 19th century. A pair of Napoleon III period covered vases, 19th century, in porcelain, enamelled and gilded, decorated with bi...

Beautiful white porcelain clam shell trinket box with bronze mounts by Piotet Limoges of France, circa 1970s. This unusual piece is in very good vintage ...

Circa 1935 Rare Art Deco mantel clock exquisitely made with marble and onyx with surreal dog figurines in contrasting poses. Original patination. Statement piece.

Pair of Baccarat cut crystal candelabra, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A pair of Baccarat cut crystal 2-light candelabra, 19th century, Napoleon III period. H: 33cm. W: 23,5cm,...

Unique decorative wood panel. France 1970's. Signed by "Jidé" in the bottom right corner on one of the sides. The natural oak side is "à la gouge" carved and represents cabinetmaker ...

This pair of silvered wooden reliquaries are from France, circa 1750. The backs are still preserved by wax seals, indicating that the relics were never removed. Each reliquary has...

Art Deco pottery vase signed Charles Greber, circa 1930. 3 fantastic animals as handles.   

Step back into the golden age of design with this vintage aluminum mushroom sculpture, a timeless piece that effortlessly blends retro charm with ind...

For your consideration is this very attractive and totally original 1930's Art Deco ladies powder/ trinket box. Made from ceramic with a vibrantly colored painted finish. Highly func...

This fabulous glass vase was made by Daum in Nancy, France in the 1970s. It looks very much like a piece of sculpture - no surprise given it's designer was César Baldaccini! Titled...

Almeric Walter and Henry Mercier Pate De Verre Art Nouveau Figure of a Nude Cherub or boy seated with his hand on his head. A wonderful pâte-de-ver...

large silver bronze sculpture Rolls Royce, Spirit of extasy we have a pair that was purchased from a car collector Spirit of Ecstasy ("Spirit of Ecstasy") is the mascot statuette of ...

A pair of French Louis XVI style bronze mounted cut crystal urns

Large Majolica Wild Rose Vase Jerome Massier, circa 1900. H / 10.5 inches , L / 11.3 inches , D / 6 inches. The Massier family are known for the quality of their unique enamels and p...

A gilt bronze poudrier box with cast poem on surface by Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1940s. The poem "Les 4 ages de la Femme" was an old French lyrical poem th...

A wonderful pair french ormolu pierced bronze crystal/glass neoclassical lion filigree swag vases.

A lovely antique petite French faience hand painted jardiniere / cachepot / planter from Rouen, France, circa 1900. Maker's mark on reverse. It would be gorgeous added to a collectio...

19th Century French Provincial Wooden Bowl – Hand-Painted Floral Motifs – Antique Patina Description: This is a beautiful traditional wooden bowl, crafted in France during the 19th ...

A very fine French 19th century Patinated bronze Figure of "Milo of Croton and the Lion" after the marble sculpture of Milon de Crotone by renown French...