Antique 19th Century French Monumental Solid Silver Figural Centrepiece, c. 1880

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Antique 19th Century French Monumental Solid Silver Figural Centrepiece, c. 1880

About the Item

Antique 19th century French monumental solid silver statue, standing on a marble base, the statue realistically modelled as a cast figure of Mary with hands open, standing on a serpent, influenced by the painting 'The Immaculate Conception', by the Italian painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696–1770). The painting was one of seven altarpieces commissioned in March 1767 from Tiepolo by King Charles III of Spain for the Church of Saint Pascual in Aranjuez, then under construction. The painting represents the Immaculate Conception, a tradition of the Catholic Church stating that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. It depicts the Virgin Mary, surrounded by angels and crowned with the circle of stars. She is shown trampling a snake, representing her victory over the devil. The lilies and the rose are references to hortus conclusus ("enclosed garden"), and symbolize Mary's love, virginity and purity. The painting is now in the Prado Museum, Madrid. The sphere base (world) is flanked by a winged angel, a bull, an eagle and a lion, probably presented as an agricultural prize. Hallmarked French silver (Minerva's head, 950 high silver standard), circa 1880's, of high quality and probably made by Christofle. The renowned firm began in 1830s when Charles Christofle (1805-1863) took over the small family workshop in Paris, with the backing of his wealthy sister he quickly grew his business. Being a true visionary in his field, in 1842 he made a brilliant move in negotiating a license with Elkington for the Electroplating patent, this gave him a huge advantage over his French counterparts and quickly made his business world renowned. The firm regularly participated in International fairs where Christofle consistently won Critical praise and awards. There recognitions led to important commissions from home and abroad, Napoleon III of France, Sultan Abdulaziz of Ottoman Empire, Russian and English Royal houses and aristocracy. Measures: Height: 50cm Width: 15cm Weight: 5290g.

Creator:
Christofle (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 19.69 in (50 cm)Diameter: 5.91 in (15 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Marble,Silver
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1880
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. In Great Condition - No Damage.
Seller Location:
Royal Tunbridge Wells, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: A70261stDibs: LU1348225609892

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Christofle

Although he started his career as a jeweler in 1830 — after apprenticing with his copper jeweler brother-in-law years earlier — Charles Christofle (1805–63) recognized that Second Empire France had an untapped audience for luxury silverware and tableware.

Gold and silver gilt had been the high-end standard in the 18th century, yet society after the Industrial Revolution demanded a more affordable, but still refined, approach. So in the 1840s, Christofle cornered the market on electrolytic gilding and silver plating, dominating the hold on patents in the country for over a decade. His work soon attracted the attention of Louis-Philippe I and then Napoleon III, under whom he was named Fournisseur de l’Empereur, cementing the prestige of his brand.

While Christofle created decadent centerpieces and tableware for the French palaces — as well as prominent clients like the Orient Express — the company’s electroplating of silverware that was far less expensive than that made by silversmiths attained widespread popularity. At a time when many who could not afford gold or silver still used wooden utensils, Christofle was a game changer for at-home dining. An appearance at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago furthered the company’s reach to American consumers who would soon rival the manufacturer’s European clientele.

The 20th century saw Christofle adapting to changing tastes in its offerings, such as the Aria collection, which debuted in 1985 with column-like lines on its flatware designed by Bernard Yot, and the playful egg-shaped silverware container introduced in 2015 that opens to reveal a full flatware set. The company also now sells barware, home accessories and even jewelry, harkening back to its roots. Now almost two centuries old, Christofle maintains its reputation as a leading flatware and silverware company under the ownership of the Chalhoub group, its utensils gracing tables in homes, hotels and restaurants all over the world.

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