Fonderies d'Art du Val d'Osne A LARGE BLACK PAINTED CAST IRON FIGURAL FLOOR LAMP France, circa 1880s

cast with the figure of a seated chimera, the base with a plaque inscribed FONDERIES DU VAL D'OSNE/58 BD VOLTAIRE, PARIS.

Société Anonyme des Hauts-Fourneaux, Fonderies, et Aciéries du Val D'Osne, (catalogue), Paris, 1903, nos. 211-212, p. 50, for the model

Overall in good condition and impressive scale. Wear to patina of edge around the base and throughout the sculpture, to the high relief - for example the nose, top of head, back, top of legs, now showing the red undercoat.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The foundry at Val d’Osne became highly regarded for the varied nature and quality of its castings in the second half of the nineteenth century.   The foundry had originally founded by J.P.V. Andre in 1835 in Val D’Osne and developed rapidly.  An entrepreneur and philanthropist, Andre supplied Paris with drainage and water pipes, and channeled his profits to a tuition-free school and benefits for his workforce.   As a producer of decorative works for architectural and garden use, he contributed to the London Great Exhibition of 1851, where his bronzed fountain cast with classical figures attracted much attention.   In addition to these larger works, he also specialized in fancy castings and architectural fittings.  His Paris address was at 14 Rue Neuve, Menilmontant.  In 1855 the Barbezat & Cie foundry was born out of the André workshop.  In 1867 Barbezat & Cie changed its name to Houille & Cie.  Then, in 1870, it changed its name to Société Anonyme du Val d’Osne.  With the change of name came the change of casting mark and address:  Fonderies d’Art du Val d’Osne, 58 Bd Voltaire, Paris.