A pair of gilt-bronze and mottled rouge marble monumental tazze, Paris circa 1860

each cast with satyrs and maidens

In good original condition. Gilt-bronze with surface dirt and dust with some rubbing.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Bearing in mind the exceptionally fine quality of the bronze casting and ciselure, it would be normal to expect such pieces to be signed. They do not appear to be signed and it is not possible to make any firm attribution. There were a number of bronziers working in Paris during the middle years of the nineteenth century who could have produced this pair of tazze. One possibility might be firm of Froment Meurice. The company were principally silversmiths but did produce bronze work and some furniture, including the toilet mirror made for the Duchess of Parma, and a dressing table which was shown at the Great Exhibition in London. This tenative suggestion is given weight by the fact that the model for one of the putti on the present lot is identical to that used on a silver clock garniture illustrated p.106 Tresors d'Argent, Les Froment Meurice, pubished Musee de la vie romantique.