A Very Rare and Superb Quality Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Cut Crystal Three Piece Garniture De Table By Baccarat

$125,000

Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat – Bronze Possibly Cast by Henri Picard

Comprising of a large centerpiece and a pair of tazze.

The fantastic centerpiece with central removable bowl centered by a finely casted large resting cherub over a detailed crest, flanked on either side by a seated, draped female Sphinx decorated in jewelry. The reverse with the same resting cherub and crest.

The pair of tazze with removable tops casted with lambrequin motif frieze supported by triple female sphinx monopodiae terminating on lion paw feet, interspersed with three pheasants .

Each of the bowls, as well as the crystal bases, are as finely and sharply cut as any work that Baccarat ever did. The time and effort put into designing this set clearly shows the peak of Baccarats work. We are confident to say that this is the finest garniture on the market today.

Founded in 1764 by royal consent, the firm of Baccarat became known as the Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat in the nineteenth century. Francois-Eugene de Fontenay, who joined the company in 1841, discovered that the addition of nickel oxide in the manufacturing process resulted in a perfectly clear product, ‘crystal glass’, that was free of discoloration and that imitated precious rock crystal. For this discovery, the Baccarat company was awarded a gold medal at the French Expositions des Produits de l’Industrie in 1844. Continually experimenting with their manufacturing process, the quality of Baccarat’s ‘crystal glass’ improved, reaching the highest level by the end of the century. Today, Baccarat ‘crystal glass’ is highly regarded, not only for its unusual clarity, but for its great solidity and weight, allowing for the bold engraving and cutting that are Baccarat’s hallmark.

Baccarat is the world’s leading manufacturer of crystalware. Founded in 1764 under the patronage of Louis XV as Renault et Compagnie, the firm became known as the Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat during the nineteenth Century.

The company began to flourish at the beginning of the Nineteenth Century, as the effects of the Napoleonic Wars abated, and its reputation was consolidated by the official approval from various sovereigns and heads of state. At the 1823 Exposition Nationale in Paris, it was Baccarat’s crystalware that Louis XVIII was said to have particularly admired, appreciating its ‘beautiful workmanship’.

The important fondeur and doreur Henri Picard worked in Paris from 1831 to 1884, most notably for the Emperor Napoléon III. He was based in Paris at 6, rue Jarente from 1831 to 1839, before moving to 10, rue de la Perle. The firm was active until around 1890.

Celebrated for the high quality of his production, Henri Picard supplied many important patrons, including garnitures and table pieces for the petits appartements of Emperor Napoléon III at the Louvre. An important pair of twelve-light candelabra by Picard remain in the Musée du Louvre today.

Centerpiece
Height – 10 inches / 25cm
Width – 21 inches / 53cm
Depth – 11 inches / 28cm

Tazze
Height – 8.5 inches / 22cm
Diameter – 10 inches / 25cm