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A Life-Size Pair French Cast-Iron Torchères Sculptures Juggler & Serpent Charmer
About the Item
A Palatial Life-Size Pair of French 19th-20th Century Cast-Iron Torchères Sculpures figures of "Jongleur and Charmeur de Serpents" (Juggler and Snake-Charmer) After the model by Mathurin Moreau (French, 1822-1912), attributed to Le Societe Anonyme des Hauts-Fourneaux et Fonderies du Val D'Osne - 58 Boulevard Voltaire, Paris. The monumental pair of indoor or outdoor torchère lights, each torchère portrays a standing half-clothed black male engaging in traditional entertainment activities reflecting the cultural practices of the 19th century and early 20th century, one as a juggler and the other one as a snake charmer. The skill and cultural context of these impressive pair of sculptures add depth and charm highlighting the artistic technics, and the emotions being conveyed by each figure. The present pair of torchere are based on the engravings of Statues published by the celebrated sculptor, Mathurin Moreau (d. 1912). As their trade catalogues reveal, Moreau's oeuvre was extensively reproduced by the Val d'Osne foundry during the latter quarter of the 19th century (see photos of the Val d'Osne original catalogue). Established in 1835 by André, Val d'Osne was subsequently renamed Houille et Cie. in 1867 when taken over by Barbezat. By 1870, however, it was known as the Société Anonyme des Hautes Fourneaux & Fonderies du Val d'Osne, exhibiting its wares in a Paris showroom at Boulevard Voltaire. Unsigned. (Electrified). Circa: Paris, 1890-1900.
Note: Wood pedestals shown on video are not included.
Fonderies d'Art du Val d'Osne
Established in 1835 by J.P.V. André, the Fonderies d'Art du Val d'Osne was known for their high quality and extensive collection of cast-iron architectural designed sculptures created exclusively for Victor André by some of the most reputed and established Parisian sculptors like Carrier-Belleuse, Mathurin Moreau, Delaplanche and Pradier. The prolific firm Fonderies d'Art du Val d'Osne participated in numerous international exhibitions and was acclaimed at the 1857 London Exhibition with a monumental bronze fountain cast with swans and Classical figures. The firm was acquired by Barbezat & Cie. in 1867, and allying with the fondeur J.J. Ducel towards 1870, and was renamed Société Anonyme des Hauts-Fourneaux & Fonderies du Val-D'Osne, Anciennes maison J.P.V. André et J.J. Ducel et Fils. The most celebrated work or art cast by the firm would be irrefutably the Parisian subway entrances designed by Hector Guimard. The firm was also known for their comissions by governments to manufacture sculptures and fountains for display at public parks and buildings in major cities around the world.
Mathurin Moreau (French, 1822-1912), was the son and student of the sculptor Jean-Baptiste Moreau. Mathurin entered the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris when he was nineteen years old, training under the direction of Étienne-Jules Ramey and Augustin-Alexandre Dumont. After placing second in the 1842 Prix de Rome, he made his debut in the Salon of 1848, where he subsequently won various State commissions, medals and prizes. Around 1850 he began providing models for reproduction in bronze for the Val d'Osne foundry, where he later became an administrator of the Société du Val d'Osne.
Literature:
Société Anonyme des Hauts-Fourneaux & Fonderies du Val-D'Osne catalogue.
Snake Charmer Overall Height: 98 inches (248.9 cm)
Juggler Overall Height: 98 inches (248.9 cm)
Snake Charmer Width: 23 inches (58.4 cm)
Juggler Width: 26 1/2 inches (248.9 cm)
Snake Charmer Depth: 31 inches (67.3 cm)
Juggler Depth: 31 3/4 inches inches (80.7 cm)
Circular Base Diameter: 18 1/2 inches (47 cm)
- Attributed to:Val D'Osne Foundry (Metalworker)
- Dimensions:Height: 98 in (248.92 cm)Width: 26.5 in (67.31 cm)Depth: 31.75 in (80.65 cm)
- Style:Moorish (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1900-1909
- Date of Manufacture:Circa: Paris, 1890-1900.
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. A truly stunning and very impressive pair of torcheres. Overall current condition is very good, the patina has been previously restored and refreshed, minor wear to patina with minor scratches. Rewired. Please view all images for a condition view.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: Ref.: A2745 - Lot 114431stDibs: LU1796238023802
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