ANTIQUE 19thC FRENCH MONUMENTAL SOLID SILVER FIGURAL CENTREPIECE c.1880
19th Century French silver statue, standing on on a marble base, the statue realistically modelled as a cast figure of Mary with hands open, standing on a serpent, influenced by the painting 'The Immaculate Conception', by the Italian painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696–1770).
Hallmarked French silver (Minerva's head, 950 silver), circa 1880's, probably made by Christofle.
Reference Number: A7026
DESCRIPTION
Antique 19th Century French monumental solid silver statue, standing on on a marble base, the statue realistically modelled as a cast figure of Mary with hands open, standing on a serpent, influenced by the painting 'The Immaculate Conception', by the Italian painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696–1770). The painting was one of seven altarpieces commissioned in March 1767 from Tiepolo by King Charles III of Spain for the Church of Saint Pascual in Aranjuez, then under construction. The painting represents the Immaculate Conception, a tradition of the Catholic Church stating that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. It depicts the Virgin Mary, surrounded by angels and crowned with the circle of stars. She is shown trampling a snake, representing her victory over the devil. The lilies and the rose are references to hortus conclusus ("enclosed garden"), and symbolize Mary's love, virginity and purity. The painting is now in the Prado Museum, Madrid.
The sphere base (world) is flanked by a winged angel, a bull, an eagle and a lion, probably presented as an agricultural prize. Hallmarked French silver (Minerva's head, 950 high silver standard), circa 1880's, of high quality and probably made by Christofle.
The renowned firm began in 1830's when Charles Christofle (1805-1863) took over the small family workshop in Paris, with the backing of his wealthy sister he quickly grew his business. Being a true visionary in his field, In 1842 he made a brilliant move in negotiating a license with Elkington for the Electroplating patent, this gave him a huge advantage over his French counterparts and quickly made his business world renowned. The firm regularly participated in International fairs where Christofle consistently won Critical praise and awards. There recognitions led to important commissions from home and abroad, Napoleon III of France, Sultan Abdulaziz of Ottoman Empire, Russian and English Royal houses and aristocracy.
CONDITION
In Great Condition - No Damage.
SIZE
Height: 50cm
Width: 15cm
Weight: 5290g