A cast-iron figural group representing Air, Val d'Osne, after the model by Hans Johann-Balthazar Keller vom Steinbock (1638-1702) 19th century

Related Literature:
Societé Anonyme des Hauts Fourneaux & Fonderies du Val D'Osne catalogue, circa 1900, plate 586.

A frequent participant at the international exhibitions during the second half of the 19th century, the prolific firm of the Val d'Osne, established by J.P.V. André in 1835, was known for their extensive inventory of architectural designs and 'fancy castings'. The firm met critical acclaim at the 1857 London Exhibition with a monumental bronze fountain cast with swans and Classical figures. Acquired by Barbezat & Cie in 1867, and allying with the fondeur JJ Ducel towards 1870, the company was eventually renamed Société Anonyme des Hauts-Fourneaux & Fonderies du Val-D'Osne, Anciennes maison J.P.V. Andri et J.J. Ducel et Fils.

The present group is a copy of an allegorical group by Hans Johann-Balthazar Keller vom Steinbock (1638-1702), which he designed for the Bassin du Nord at Versailles and which was installed between 1687 and 1690. Val d'Osne's catalogue offered customers a choice of life-size groups based upon the Versailles models.