330 - A DECORATIVE GILT-BRONZE AND CRYSTAL FRUIT STAND. FRANCE, CIRCA 1900.

A DECORATIVE GILT-BRONZE AND CRYSTAL FRUIT STAND. FRANCE, CIRCA 1900. A decorative French fruit stand, executed circa 1900 in chased and cast gilt bronze combined with clear crystal glass. The composition is centred on an expressive figure of a Triton, which serves as the principal support of the object. The marine deity is depicted in a dynamic pose, holding aloft a large bowl in the form of an open seashell, fashioned from thick clear crystal with an undulating rim. The sculptural treatment of the figure is distinguished by the accomplished modelling of the musculature, a fluid sense of movement and the academic expressiveness characteristic of French decorative arts at the turn of the 20th century. The gilt bronze is skilfully juxtaposed with the transparency of the crystal, producing a striking play of light and enhancing the richness of the decorative conception. Intended for the presentation of fruit or confectionery, the object also served as an imposing interior ornament. Comparable works were created for affluent private interiors of the Belle Époque and reflect the high standard of French artistic bronze casting at the end of the 19th century. Dimensions: Height 32 cm. Width 30 cm. Depth 30 cm. Condition: Good condition. Provenance: France. Circa 1900. Width: 30cm, Height: 32cm, Depth: 30cm, Weight: 2kg, Condition: Good, Material: GLASS, Gilded bronze, ID: ID-ANTQ-5529