Russian Malachite And Gilt Bronze Gueridon

The exquisite art of pietre dure is at its absolute finest in this spectacular pair of Russian ormolu and malachite plinths. True works of art of the Restauration period, these plinths each feature a matching pietre dure mosaic crafted of the finest stones, all chosen to create a sense of depth and dimensionality in the final work. Depicting an onyx vase with tulips, roses, daffodils, magnolia and other flowers, these pietre dure panels are among the finest examples of this ancient art we have seen. The pietre dure is complemented by malachite panels of the highest quality, exhibiting exceptional depth through its extraordinary cellular structure. Malachite is one of Russia’s most precious stones, and its presence in these plinths indicates commission and ownership by an individual of considerable status. Mounted in an excellent stepped ormolu base, these plinths originally served as bases for vases or candelabra. The overall execution and appearance of these plinths is very characteristic of the taste associated with the immensely wealthy collector Nicolas Demidoff. As early as 1806, Demidoff had commissioned the Parisian goldsmith Henri August to supply a guéridon; in 1819, he ordered famed French bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire to supply mounts for a massive malachite vase (now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York), as well as a console table with legs in the form of Nike. Other commissions included a table given as a gift to Grand Duke Leopoldo II of Florence, now in the Pitti Palace. Demidoff eventually settled in Florence in 1822 and became Russian minister to the Tuscan Court. Elevated to the rank of Count of San Donato by the Grand Duke, he built a magnificent villa at San Donato on the site of lands formerly owned by the Medici. The villa was later inherited by Anatole, his son, Prince of San Donato, and there are records which confirm transactions he had with the Opificio delle Pietre Dure. The 19th century proved to be the golden age of Russian malachite. The stone became a sign of prestige and a token of wealth, so much so that Russian papers of the time wrote: "To afford having a big piece wrought in malachite is synonymous to owning diamonds." Year after year the Russian (Romanov) treasury paid increasingly unreasonable prices to hoard the best malachite, much of which went into Romanov palaces and extravagant objets d'art. The Hermitage Museum possesses a collection of over two hundred examples of this “palatial” malachite...

Pair of Russian Malachite Tazze Imperial Lapidary Works Circa 1830 A magnificent example of early 19th-century Russian craftsmanship, this pair of malachite tazze was created by the Imperial Lapidary Works of Ekaterinburg, circa 1830. These works exemplify the period when malachite emerged as the principal decorative material in Russian hardstone...

The epitome of Russian craftsmanship, this majestic and incredibly rare pair of candelabra would have been fit for the Czar. These superb Louis XVI style figural bronze candelabra were created in the Neoclassical taste that permeated Russia during the late 18th century. The chiselled gilt bronze work is in a class all its own – a trademark of only the most exceptional Russian ormolu craftsmen. Elegant patinated bronze nudes hold aloft delicate gilt bronze branches accentuated by gilt chains. Elevated atop classical columns crafted of polished gray marble, these lights perfectly express the outstanding grace and luxurious artistry of Russian decorative art. In France during the late 18th century, Neoclassicism emerged as the most popular style after the exuberance of Rococo during the reign of Louis XV. The emphasis was on simplicity, straight lines and symmetry. Slenderness of proportion was stressed in furniture and decorating, and these patterns extended to other areas of the arts. French design taste has historically spread and influenced styles throughout Europe, and Russia in particular has a long history of adopting foreign stylistic trends considered to be the epitome of grand taste. Catherine the Great and her grandson Alexander I...

This exquisite pair of rosso antico marble and gilt bronze potpourri vases epitomize opulent artistry. A popular material for sculpture in ancient ...