Description
From our sculptures collection we are delighted to offer this French ormolu fencing duo. The bronze figures gilded in gold in mid fight wearing fencing attire with sabre stood upon a green marble base. The figure in the manner of Nicolas Mayer a French sculpture artist dating to circa 1900.
Nicolas Mayer (1852-1929 was a French artist well known for good quality bronzes and particularly his Le Duel bronze which the above bronze is in the manner of.
Ormolu is the technique of applying finely ground, high-carat gold–mercury amalgam to an object of bronze. The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold coating. The French refer to this technique as bronze doré and in English it is often referred to as gilt bronze. It is a finishing technique which adds an overall gold look to any object without the massive cost and impracticality of making an object out of solid gold. Mercury was outlawed in the 1830’s in France however it was still used until the early 1900s.
Measurements 14cm High 26cm Long x 7.5cm Deep (5.5 x 10.25 x 2.95 Inches)
Condition Very Good, minor wear consistent with age.
