A highly decorative French centrepiece in the Napoleon III taste, this piece is a later recast after a model by the Parisian founders Lerolle Fres, whose original designs were widely admired and subsequently reproducedThe bowl is generously proportioned and richly cast in silvered metal, featuringrepouss-style panels with classical mythological scenes cherubs and reclining figures framed by scrolling acanthus and fruiting garlandsAt the centre sits a bold mask of a bearded river god, giving strong sculptural focusTo the rim are two finely modelled seated classical maidens in flowing drapery, each wearing laurel wreathsBought from a dealer on Marche Biron at Paris antiques marketsTheir elegant, theatrical pose reflects the opulence associated with Second Empire designThe base is elaborately decorated with masks, scrollwork and foliate detail, raised on stylised paw feet and mounted on a stone plinthThis is a decorative and visually striking piece, faithfu...