Paul Louis Alfred Serre 1810-1992 "Banque and Navigation", two framed painted enamel allegories Paris, last quarter 19th century, retailed by Maison Ferdinand Barbedienne

one inscribed to the reverse Banque, the other inscribed Navigation and each signed A. SERRE Inv. 1883 to the lower left and Maison BARBEDIENNE to the lower right

Overall in good condition and presentation. Irregular embossed surface from firing. Minute enamel chips to edges now showing the copper plate. Tarnishing to metallic frames.
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.
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Serre made his debut at the Paris Salon in 1869 producing Romantic images, as in the present lot, to satisfy the fashion of the time. The collaboration between Serre and Barbedienne can be seen in a large double-sided tabernacle probably made for the Paris International Exhibition of 1889, sold Christie's New York, April 24, 2001, lot 254 for $99,500. Further collaboration can be dated to 1878, with a large Renaissance style gilt-bronze clock incorporating enamelled plaques depicting Apollo, Diana, Dawn and Twilight, now in the Hôtel de Ville, Paris. In 1891, Serre painted plaques of Venus and Cupid for a cigarette case made by Barbedienne that was subsequently shown at the 1900 Paris exhibition.