Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 14

Exceptional French Empire Bronze Gilt Bronze Swan Centerpiece att. to Baccarat

$9,500
£7,248.76
€8,246.01
CA$13,341.08
A$14,600.20
CHF 7,714.93
MX$174,263.09
NOK 98,452.08
SEK 90,042.44
DKK 61,593.38

About the Item

Magnificent Late 19th–Early 20th Century French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Swan Centerpiece with Deeply Cut Crystal Bowl, Attributed to Baccarat This magnificent French gilt bronze and cut crystal centerpiece is a striking example of the opulence associated with the Empire Revival period at the turn of the 20th century. The centerpiece features a deeply cut crystal tazza—brilliantly faceted and richly detailed—resting upon an extraordinary ormolu-mounted sculptural base composed of three patinated bronze swans, each exquisitely hand-chiseled and modeled with remarkable precision. The combination of patinated bronze, fire-gilded ormolu, and hand-cut crystal is emblematic of the finest French workmanship of the period, strongly reflecting the artistry and quality associated with Maison Baccarat. Perfect as an impressive focal point for a center table, dining table, console, sideboard, or mantel, this grand decorative object captures the timeless elegance of the French Empire, with influences of Louis XVI neoclassical design, mythological iconography, and the grandeur of Napoleonic style. Gilt bronze base in the French Empire Revival manner, likely produced by a fine Parisian bronzier working for or in the circle of Maison Baccarat. Measurements: Height: 14 1/2" Diameter: 12 1/2" Very good antique condition. Additional condition details available upon request. Historical Provenance: Édouard de Reszke (1853–1917) Adding exceptional provenance value, this centerpiece bears an engraved dedication indicating that it once belonged to the celebrated Polish bass Édouard de Reszke, one of the most distinguished opera singers of the late 19th century. When performing in London alongside his brother Jean, the Reszke brothers were invited to sing for Queen Victoria during gala evenings at the Royal Opera House and command performances at Windsor Castle. In recognition of his artistry, Édouard received the Royal Victorian Order (R.V.O.) from the Queen. Édouard de Reszke made his operatic debut in Aida in Paris on April 22, 1876, and his powerful natural voice and dramatic presence quickly made him one of the great operatic legends of the late-Victorian era. He achieved international acclaim for his iconic performances as Mephistopheles in Faust, as well as for roles such as Leporello, Sachs, and Hagen. After retiring from the stage, he devoted himself to teaching, although his final years were marked by illness and the hardships of wartime Europe, where he passed away in 1917. This provenance elevates the piece beyond decorative art—transforming it into a meaningful historical artifact associated with one of Europe’s most celebrated musical families.
  • Attributed to:
    Baccarat (Manufacturer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 14.5 in (36.83 cm)Diameter: 12.5 in (31.75 cm)
  • Style:
    Empire Revival (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1890-1910
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Very good antique condition, with age appropriate wear. Two minor chips on the crystal bowl. See detailed photos and video.
  • Seller Location:
    Miami, FL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU4082135654552

More From This Seller

View All
Sevres French Clear Crystal Sculptural Art Glass Centerpiece, Signed
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning midcentury clear crystal sculptural centerpiece from the 1950s-1960s by Sevres France. This crystal piece is absolutely beautiful in its organ...
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

Materials

Crystal

Victorian Style Cut Crystal Lamp with Crystal Shade
Located in Miami, FL
Brilliant cut crystal table lamp, the mushroom shape dome. Finely wheel cut shade with diamond shaped patterns encircled by ring of prisms over conforming baluster formed brass base...
Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Table Lamps

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Large Murano Art Glass Centerpiece Bowl in Amethyst and Gold Aventurine, Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Striking Vintage Murano Hand-Blown Art Glass Centerpiece with Aventurine A large and dramatic vintage Murano art glass centerpiece, hand-blown with shimmering aventurine inclusions....
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Culver Glass Serving Tray or Culver 22-Karat Gold Leaf Serving Platter
By Culver Ltd.
Located in Miami, FL
A fine quality Culver glass serving tray or platter. Beautiful Moroccan themed design with 22-karat gold all perfect to use while serving Hors D'Oeuvres. Made in the U.S.A. This hi...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Glass

Martin Benito Crystal Vodka Server, Benito Crystal Ormolu Liquor Server
By Cristal Benito, Martin CF Benito
Located in Miami, FL
Martin Crystal Vodka Server, Monumental Caviar Bowl Crystal and Ormolu or Bronze Dore Dolphin Centerpiece by Cristal Benito, Monumental Cristal Benito Fabergé Style Server with Vodk...
Category

20th Century French Belle Époque Crystal Serveware

Materials

Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu

French Empire Napoleon III Bizantine Bronze Ormolu Inkwell or Inkstand
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite Bizantine French 19th century Empire Napoleon III gilded bronze inkwell. This handcrafted antique desk accessory bears the makers mar...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

You May Also Like

Baccarat Cut Crystal Centerpiece Mounted on Chiseled Gilt Bronze, 19th Century
Located in NICE, FR
Hand-cut Baccarat crystal centerpiece mounted on chiseled gilt bronze serving as a bowl or fruit stand. This majestic piece features a large Baccarat crystal bowl topped with a long ...
Category

Antique 1880s French Napoleon III Centerpieces

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

19th Century French Baccarat Ormolu Mounted Crystal Centerpiece
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
A Marvelous 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Baccarat Ormolu Mounted Crystal Centerpiece with Crystal Columns and Lions Paw Feet. The Bronze is marv...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Centerpieces

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Lovely Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Crystal Centerpiece by Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Lovely Quality Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Crystal Centerpiece by Barbedienne Ferdinand Barbedienne The wonderful floral etched crystal vase inserted...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Centerpieces

Materials

Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted / Cut Glass Empire Style Centerpiece
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Step into the splendor of the 19th century with this exceptional Empire-style tableware centerpiece, a captivating union of gilt bronze mounts and cut glass that epitomizes the opule...
Category

Antique 1880s French Empire Centerpieces

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

A Baccarat signed Antique French Ormolu Mounted Cut Crystal Centerpiece, 19th C
Located in New York, NY
A Signed 19th Century Neoclassical French Ormolu Mounted Baccarat Crystal & Dore bronze Double-Handle Centerpiece This centerpiece was produced in France during the 1800s by Baccara...
Category

Antique 1880s Centerpieces

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted / Molded Glass Napoleon III Centerpiece
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Transport yourself to the grandeur of the 19th century with this exquisite Napoleon III tableware centerpiece. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this centerpiece is a harm...
Category

Antique 1830s French Napoleon III Centerpieces

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu