What is the history of French gilt bronze sculptures?

Gilt bronze, often referred to as ormolu, gained immense popularity in France during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Master bronze founders cast intricate mythological, classical, and allegorical figures, which were subsequently gilded to achieve a metallic finish.

What materials were traditionally used in French classical bronze figures?

Classical French bronze figures were cast in bronze using lost-wax or sand-casting techniques, followed by chasing to add decorative detail. Many were gilded with gold leaf or amalgams and mounted upon polished marble or porphyry bases.

How can authentic French foundry bronzes be identified?

Authentic French bronze figures often bear foundry stamps, such as Susse Freres or Barbedienne, along with sculptor signatures cast directly into the metal base. Original pieces display precise hand-chasing, appropriate weight, and natural wear to the gilded surfaces.

How do you style a small gilt bronze sculpture in a modern interior?

A small gilt bronze sculpture acts as an accent when positioned on a mantelpiece, stacked atop art books on a coffee table, or displayed inside a lit cabinet. The metallic warmth contrasts effectively against matte background walls and dark timber surfaces.

How should antique gilt bronze and marble be preserved?

Clean gilt bronze using a soft, dry microfibre cloth or soft-bristle brush to remove dust without stripping the gilded layer. Avoid chemical cleaners, water, or abrasive polishes, and wipe marble plinths only with a damp cloth before drying thoroughly.

for sale €462 $502

£395

Artsonline

Sellingantiques Verified Since Dec 2018

Browse dealers 310 items

About Us

Specialising in fine art & quality pottery - worldwide delivery - secure payments

Relevant Links

Gold Bronze Figurine

Bronze Putto Sculpture

Antique French Figurine

Id #SA1234070

PDF

SAVE

Gilt Bronze Infant Bacchus Sculpture by Charles Louis Malric for Susse Frères

Name: Gilt Bronze Infant Bacchus Sculpture by Charles Louis Malric for Susse Frères
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1234070
Price: 395 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by Artsonline

Description

Gilt Bronze Infant Bacchus Sculpture by Charles Louis Malric for Susse Frères

Brief Description:

This is a charming and beautifully modelled gilt bronze figure of a Bacchanalian Putto or Infant Bacchus by the French sculptor Charles Louis Malric (1872–1942), and attributed to the Susse Frères foundry.

The delightful figure depicts the youthful Bacchus standing nude in a playful pose, wearing a wonderfully detailed vine-leaf and grape headdress and carrying a profusion of grapes and vine leaves beneath one arm.

The subject is unmistakably Bacchanalian, the grapes and vine foliage referring to Bacchus (Dionysus), the Classical god of wine, fertility and revelry.

Beautifully cast with a rich golden finish, the sculpture has particularly attractive detail to the face, hands, feet, grapes and cascading vine leaves.

The bronze is signed “MALRIC” to the integral base for Charles Louis Malric (1872–1942).

The figure is raised upon a handsome green variegated marble plinth, which complements the warm gilded finish beautifully.

A small but exceptionally decorative French bronze with enormous character and a particularly appealing Classical subject.

Attributes:

French

Charles Louis Malric (1872–1942)

Signed MALRIC

Gilt bronze

Bacchanalian Putto / Infant Bacchus

Green variegated marble plinth

Early 20th century

Condition:

Condition:

Very good condition commensurate with age, with minor age-related surface wear to the gilt finish.

Please see the images, which form an integral part of the condition report.

Overall Measurements:

INCHES & CENTIMETRES

Height: 6'' | 15.2 cm

Width: 2.7'' | 6.8 cm

Depth: 2.7'' | 6.8 cm

^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^

*A Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece*

Delivery

Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services.

Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces that we sell.

We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days.

Returns Policy

Artsonline provides a genuine no-quibble 14-day money-back refund policy

(excluding the cost of Postage and Packaging).

Pay securely - Telephone orders welcome

Image result for payments accepted logos

Secure-Payment-VPADeb-sa-la-go-th-et-an-gt-0012086-BACS-Order-PayPal-M/Card

Physical Dimensions

Height

15.2cm (5.98")

Width

6.8cm (2.68")

Depth

6.8cm (2.68")

Declaration

Artsonline has dated this Gilt Bronze Bacchus Sculpture to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1234070

Dealers Notes

CONTACT US:

Please feel free to call us.

We have a friendly & professional team on hand who are here to help you with any queries you may have.

Tel: 01749 595 507

Mobile: 07784 085 135

Outside the UK:

Tel: 0044 1749 595 507

Cell: 0044 7784 085 135

PAYMENT:

We accept all major credit/debit cards, PayPal, Square and Bank transfer (BACS).

Description

Gilt Bronze Infant Bacchus Sculpture by Charles Louis Malric for Susse Frères

Brief Description:

This is a charming and beautifully modelled gilt bronze figure of a Bacchanalian Putto or Infant Bacchus by the French sculptor Charles Louis Malric (1872–1942), and attributed to the Susse Frères foundry.

fig 1. A small gilt bronze sculpture depicting an infant Bacchus holding a bunch of grapes, set upon a square green marble plinth. — fig 1. Gilt Bronze Infant Bacchus Sculpture by Charles Louis Malric for Susse Frères

The delightful figure depicts the youthful Bacchus standing nude in a playful pose, wearing a wonderfully detailed vine-leaf and grape headdress and carrying a profusion of grapes and vine leaves beneath one arm.

“

The subject is unmistakably Bacchanalian, the grapes and vine foliage referring to Bacchus (Dionysus), the Classical god of wine, fertility and revelry.

Artsonline

fig 2. A small gilt bronze sculpture depicting an infant Bacchus holding a bunch of grapes, set upon a square green marble plinth. — fig 2. Gilt Bronze Infant Bacchus Sculpture by Charles Louis Malric for Susse Frères

Beautifully cast with a rich golden finish, the sculpture has particularly attractive detail to the face, hands, feet, grapes and cascading vine leaves.

The bronze is signed “MALRIC” to the integral base for Charles Louis Malric (1872–1942).

fig 3. A small gilt bronze sculpture depicting an infant Bacchus holding a bunch of grapes, set upon a square green marble plinth. — fig 3. Gilt Bronze Infant Bacchus Sculpture by Charles Louis Malric for Susse Frères

The figure is raised upon a handsome green variegated marble plinth, which complements the warm gilded finish beautifully.

A small but exceptionally decorative French bronze with enormous character and a particularly appealing Classical subject.

fig 4. A small gilt bronze sculpture depicting an infant Bacchus holding a bunch of grapes, set upon a square green marble plinth. — fig 4. Gilt Bronze Infant Bacchus Sculpture by Charles Louis Malric for Susse Frères

Attributes:

French

Charles Louis Malric (1872–1942)

Signed MALRIC

Gilt bronze

Bacchanalian Putto / Infant Bacchus

Green variegated marble plinth

Early 20th century

Condition:

Very good condition commensurate with age, with minor age-related surface wear to the gilt finish.

fig 5. A small gilt bronze sculpture depicting an infant Bacchus holding a bunch of grapes, set upon a square green marble plinth. — fig 5. Gilt Bronze Infant Bacchus Sculpture by Charles Louis Malric for Susse Frères

Please see the images, which form an integral part of the condition report.

Overall Measurements:

INCHES & CENTIMETRES

Height: 6'' | 15.2 cm

Width: 2.7'' | 6.8 cm

Depth: 2.7'' | 6.8 cm

^^ Fast & Free UK Delivery Included^^

fig 6. A small gilt bronze sculpture depicting an infant Bacchus holding a bunch of grapes, set upon a square green marble plinth. — fig 6. Gilt Bronze Infant Bacchus Sculpture by Charles Louis Malric for Susse Frères

A Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) will be provided by artsonline with this piece*

Delivery

Artsonline UK ships worldwide daily, using only fully insured, priority, and fully tracked delivery services.

fig 7. A small gilt bronze sculpture depicting an infant Bacchus holding a bunch of grapes, set upon a square green marble plinth. — fig 7. Gilt Bronze Infant Bacchus Sculpture by Charles Louis Malric for Susse Frères

Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art and Antique pieces that we sell.

We pack extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in perfect condition.

fig 8. A small gilt bronze sculpture depicting an infant Bacchus holding a bunch of grapes, set upon a square green marble plinth. — fig 8. Gilt Bronze Infant Bacchus Sculpture by Charles Louis Malric for Susse Frères

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items that can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approx. 7-14 working days.