This is a wonderful antique French Grand Tour bronze model of the Vendome Column, circa 1840 in date.
This splendid bronze features Napoleon I standing atop in his ''redingote'' coat and trademark hat, after the original by Charles-Emile Seurre. Construction on the original Vendome column was started in 1806 at Napoleon’s direction to celebrate the victory of Austerlitz, and completed in 1810.
The spiralling column is covered in delightful bas-relief bronze plates -- which resemble the original bronze plates constructed out of cannons taken from the combined armies of Europe-- stands on a platform with 3 eagles, one on each of 3 corners, the fourth corner vacant.
It is raised on an elegant black granite platform base and is ideal for use as a desk weight.
This stunning high-quality bronze is superbly cast and has an elegant golden patina. It is made from the lost-wax process, otherwise known as ''cire perdue'' method.
The attention to detail and
... quality throughout this piece is second to none.
Condition:
In good condition,please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 28 cm x Width 9.5 cm x Depth 9.5 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 11 inches x Width 4 inches x Depth 4 inches
Place Vendōme
is a square in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, France, located to the north of the Tuileries Gardens and east of the Église de la Madeleine. It is the starting point of the Rue de la Paix. Its regular architecture by Jules Hardouin-Mansart and pedimented screens canted across the corners give the rectangular Place Vendōme the aspect of an octagon.
The original Vendōme Column at the centre of the square was erected by Napoleon I to commemorate the Battle of Austerlitz; it was torn down on 16 May 1871, by decree of the Paris Commune, but subsequently re-erected and remains a prominent feature on the square today.
Lost Wax Method
sometimes called by the French name of cire perdue or the Latin, cera perduta is the process by which a bronze or brass is cast from an artists sculpture.
In industrial uses, the modern process is called investment casting. An ancient practice, the process today varies from foundry to foundry, but the steps which are usually used in casting small bronze sculptures in a modern bronze foundry are generally quite standardised.
Our reference: A5109
Internal Reference: A5109
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1199026
Dateline of this antique is 1800
Height is 28cm (11.0inches)Width is 9.5cm (3.7inches)Depth is 9.5cm (3.7inches)
Thank you.
Your comment has been sent to Sellingantiques.