A fine and large pair of Goût Etrusque gilt bronze and Algerian onyx urns Paris, circa 1870, attributed to Eugene Cornu & Cie

two bronze mounts have been removed to reveal the mark PP and the indistinct mark GY in script.

Overall fine condition and presentation, professionally cleaned and in excellent overall order, with a few very small nicks and chips to the edges of rim, not affecting overall appearance. Some cracks to one urn along natural striations; also with 3 in. band of chips to underside of rim.
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 sculptor and bronzier Eugène Cornu (d. 1875) was a prominent Parisian artist to involve himself with new mediums and had a paricular interest in Algerian marble and onyx mines. Working closely with G. Viot, he exhibited extensively at the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1867. He also exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1874 and was a director of a bronze foundry as well as several other establishments in Paris. Amongst his numerous entreprises and partnerships, the one with G. Viot et Cie was the most successful and both were recorded at the premises of G. Viot & Cie. as 'The Algerian Onyx-Marbles Co.', 24, boulevard des Italiens, Paris. They both had a huge success at the London 1862 and Paris 1867 Exposition Universellem, consequently winning the médaille d'or in 1867. See Calalogue de la Exposition Universelle de 1862, Section française, London 1862; Masterpieces of Industrial Art and Sculpture, J.B.Waring, London 1862.