Pair of Onyx and Ormolu Cassolettes
France, 19th Century
Onyx pourpre and gilt bronze, 20 × 7½ × 7½ in.
These baluster-form cassolettes are crafted from richly veined onyx pourpre and adorned with finely cast gilt bronze mounts. An ormolu frieze encircles each urn, depicting dancing putti and satyr or Bacchus heads, from which hang garlands of grape clusters and leaves, emblematic of Bacchic revelry.
Rings of gilt bronze acanthus leaves enrich the bases, while pinecone finials crown the lids. Such pieces, blending luxurious materials with classical iconography, were prized in the 19th century for their elegance and craftsmanship, reflecting France’s enduring fascination with the art of antiquity.
