Description
Late 19th Century Belle Époque Ormolu and Glass Tazza, After Thomire
From our Decorative collection, we are pleased to present this superb pair of French Bronze Ormolu Tazza Centrepieces with ribbed glass trays, dating to the Belle Époque period, circa 1890.
Each tazza is cast in bright ormolu, finely chased with neoclassical motifs. The design features a loop handle with acanthus leaf stems rising above ribbed circular glass trays, supported on richly decorated ormolu bases. The columns are beautifully cast with incredibly detailed alternating hunting dog heads, ivy leaves, and scrollwork, framed by a circular banded border of neoclassical design an unusual composition for tazzas.
The models are inspired by the celebrated work of Pierre-Philippe Thomire, one of the most renowned French bronziers of the late 18th and early 19th century, and reflect the neoclassical popularity of the Louis XVI style during the Belle Époque.
This fine pair of tazza centrepieces demonstrates the refined taste of late 19th-century France and would make a striking addition to both classical and eclectic interiors.
BELLE ÉPOQUE PERIOD (1871–1914)
The Belle Époque, meaning “Beautiful Era,” was a golden age of French and European culture, spanning from 1871 to 1914. This period was defined by optimism, innovation, and artistic achievement, particularly in Paris, the centre of fashion, decorative arts, and design. Art Nouveau flourished, alongside exquisite creations in silver, bronze, glass, and jewellery, produced by celebrated makers for an international audience. Collectors prize Belle Époque pieces for their elegance, refined detail, and the way they reflect the cultural sophistication of late 19th and early 20th-century France.
For further information please see our article The Belle Époque Era in France: Art, Antiques and a Golden Age of Creativity.
BRONZE
Bronze has been one of the most widely used materials in art and design for centuries, valued for its strength, durability, and ability to capture fine detail. Popular from ancient civilisations to the 19th century, bronze has been used for statues, decorative objects, and functional pieces alike. In the late 19th century, artists in Vienna, including Franz Xaver Bergmann, perfected the technique of cold-painting, adding rich layers of colour to bronze without firing. This innovation, along with the timeless appeal of bronze’s patina and texture, ensures that antique bronze objects remain highly collectible today.
For further information please see our article on bronze Bronze Sculpture: History, Composition, and Casting Techniques.
MEASUREMENTS
33.5cm High x 22.5cm Diameter (13.2 x 8.86 Inches)
CONDITION
Excellent Antique Condition
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