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“Love and Sacrifice” Guéridon

France, Circa 1880

An antique Napoleon III period guéridon with a painted porcelain top and a patinated and gilt bronze base, crafted in France circa 1880. Its decorative scheme, devoted to Love and sacrifice, reflects the Second Empire taste for allegories inspired by the 18th century. At the center of the circular top, a painted medallion depicts two young women draped in classical attire standing on either side of an altar, accompanied by a winged Cupid. Surrounding this scene, a broad, slightly recessed turquoise-blue well creates a sense of depth, recalling the famous “bleu céleste” of the Sèvres manufacture. Along the rim, a series of gold-rimmed oval cartouches reveals small cupids playing with flowers, ribbons, and arrows. A vibrant rose-pink border elegantly frames the ensemble. The patinated bronze base with gilded highlights features a bowl adorned with classical medallions and high-relief heads, surrounded by interlacing motifs and accented with delicate chains. It extends downward into a fluted shaft punctuated by gilt collars, resting upon a tripod base alternating lion paw feet and palmettes in pure Neoclassical style. A piece of charm and radiant color, this guéridon will find its place beside an armchair in a drawing room, bedroom, or boudoir, where its painted top is sure to catch every eye.

7 500 €