Description
Pair of vases in marble and gilt bronze. Susse Frères foundry, Paris, 19th century.
Entirely realised in veined marble and finely chased gilt bronze, with Louis XV style decoration depicting a triumph of acanthus leaves, palmettes and two satyr masks.
Lids signed underneath the base: «SUSSE FRES 38».
Bronzes signed: «Becker Sclp. Susse Frères Edt.».
The Susse Frères foundry is a historic French manufactory, founded in 1839 by Auguste Susse and specialised in the production of high quality sculptures and gilt bronze fittings. Active during the Belle Époque, the foundry collaborated with numerous celebrated artists, distinguishing itself for the finesse of its chasing and the elegance of its design, factors which established its reputation among the most esteemed foundries in Europe.
The present pair, in veined yellow marble, is fitted with gilt bronze mounts signed by the designer Becker and marked by the foundry with the serial number 38. The four satyr masks at the top of the bodies are wrapped in elegant foliate scrolls and acanthus leaves that follow the bulging profile of the vases. An identical pair, bearing the same signatures of Becker and Susse Frères but executed in veined pink marble, was sold at Christie’s London (19th Century Furniture, Sculpture, Works of Art and Ceramics including a Property from the Palazzo of a Milanese Noble Family, 19 March 2009, lot 87, for £22,500).
Condition report: Good condition, with minor signs of wear consistent with age.
