Gustave-Joseph Chéret, Art Nouveau Patinated Bronze Figural Vase, circa 1882

Gustave-Joseph Chéret French Belle Époque Patinated Bronze Figural Flower Vase ca. 1882 Signed ‘Joseph Chéret’ and E. Soleau. Editr. Paris Exqu...

Although unmarked, this rare and important, grand but at the same exquisite patinated bronze vase has just a very few little details, defying the shape of the handles, as well as the...

ABOUT IRIS The iris is a special and mysterious flower. Not only because of its striking appearance, but also from an artistic and historical point of view. It is also like a work of art, as though created by Mother Nature. The unique leaves of this plant not only create wonderful shadow casts, but also look as if they were painted by hand. It's no wonder that iris acts as the muse for countless artists, and can be seen in many famous works of art. The iris was first spotted in the time of Pharaoh Thutmose, in 1504 BC. He had the iris inscribed into the wall reliefs of a temple as a sign of his power, as well as decorating his sceptre with motifs of the flower. Since then, the iris has been a symbol of victory in Egypt. But the symbolism of the iris goes further than that. In Japan, the flower represents courage and is the symbol of the boys' festival. In Islamic cultures, the iris is a symbol of prosperity. In Europe, the flower was a popular weapon symbol in the Middle Ages and stood for chivalry. And in Christianity, the iris was seen as a symbol of the trinity because of its three-part flowers. With more than 300 varieties, the iris is now the most popular flower among growers and gardeners following the rose. Countless artists use the iris in their works and the flower is present in all eras. You can see the flower on furniture, vases, jewelry, fabrics, sculptures, coats of arms and much more. Did you know that the iris is also called the sword lily? It's not a coincidence that it used to symbolize physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by a weapon. We also see the flower in religious art, where it's often associated with Mary and Jesus. The iris is also associated with the Greek goddess Iris, where the flower symbolizes reconciliation and divine messages. This is also reflected in many paintings. Finally, the iris is also visible in Dutch and Flemish still-life paintings. This can be in a religious form, incorporated into an object or as a decorative flower. In the Art Nouveau art movement, the iris (along with other plants, such as the birch) was often used as an expression of feminine beauty. With its almost otherworldly appearance, the iris is perfectly suited to the Art Nouveau aesthetic and is featured in many well-known works of art. The poet of that era, Hermann Hesse...

An Art Nouveau gilt bronze lobed ewer by Alexandre Vibert (French, 1847-1909), produced within the early 20th century period, depicting a classical nude female figure on the bank of ...

Antoine Bofill (Spanish-French, 1875-1925) was a Spanish artist and member of the Animalier movement of the 19th century. Best known for his small, decorative bronze sculptures, Bofi...

Charles Vital-Cornu (French, 1851 - 1927), Jouffroy’s and Pils’ pupil, he acquired a skillfulness mastery in carving marbles and producing bronzes. He used several patinas in his production. Indeed, if his pieces' embodiments are often golden-brown colored, the hollow part are darker. His figures, hands, faces, and bodies are of a great quality. Charles Vital-Cornu had participated in numerous annual ‘‘Salons’’ organized in Paris by ‘‘la Société des Artistes Français’’ where he got several awards, such as a mention of Honor in 1880 and 1881, a third class medal in 1882, a travelling grant in 1883, a second class medal in 1886, a bronze medal at the 1889 World Fair and, finally, a silver medal at the 1900 World Fair at the Grand palace...

Finely executed urn by sculptor Joseph Chéret (French, 1838-1894) inset with period aluminum liner for flowers. Epitomizes the mid-19th century Second Em...

Very large and finely cast bronze sculpture of frolicking cherubs after the French sculptor, Joseph Gustave Cheret (1838-1894).

Cast bronze with a young female sprite and a putto climbing leafy tree and two figural putto handles. Presentation piece.  

Very large Art Nouveau- Art Deco multi-color glass vase with decorative metalwork mountings that is a beautiful example of the iridescent glass work that is done in late 19th century...

Beautiful French bronze vase from the Art Nouveau period, made during the early 1900s, fine French manufacture. The vase is made entirely of bronze,...

Gorgeous patinated bronze art nouveau vase with maiden & floral design by Francesco Flora, circa 1910s. The vase has wonderful detail and is in very go...