A magnificent Empire gilt bronze figural centrepiece of French origin, dating back to 1820 circa, with a crystal basket surrounded by palmettes, above three supporting caryatids, three standing female figures on a circular basement with six feet, decorated with vegetal and floral mounted friezes centered with male masks.
Intended to hold flowers or fruit, this wonderful centrepiece or surtout de table, (a French elaborate dining service, which was displayed on a long mirrored plateau in the centre of a grand dining table) is a superb Empire handmade work of art, made by a great fondeur-ciseleur of Empire period, with a superb art of fine chasing and gilding of bronzes.
This type of service was developed in France during Napoleon’s rule and in the wake of his various conquests was soon adopted throughout Europe.

It comes from a private luxury Italian villa, from Como Lake and it is in excellent condition.
We have disassembled this centerpiece to clean it and consists of 24 different pieces and one piece is engraved with monogram C.C.
Each piece is hand-made with an extraordinary high quality chasing, engraving and mercury gilding.

Height: 19 inches – 48 cm
Diameter: 9,5 inches – 24 cm the crystal basker – 22 cm the basement