Ref.10379
Important pair of wrought iron andirons, 19th century

Important and rare pair of wrought iron andirons , Neo-Gothic style , made during the 19th century. The wrought iron work is quite exceptional by its high quality.

Ref.14892
François LINKE (1855-1946) and Léon MESSAGÉ (1842-1901) (attributed to), « The Sea », Gilt bronze inkwell

This very beautiful Rocaille inkwell is attributed to the Maison Linke, held by the cabinet-maker François Linke in collaboration with the sculptor and designer Léon Messagé , during the second quarter of 19th century. Realized in gilt bronze , this item adopts the same forms as those used by the Rococco style in the 18th century (see Louis XV style ). The inkwell is composed of two ink containers, shaped like shells, with a humpback triton on the right hand side, and a Gibbula nivosa on the left hand side. Additionally, the term «rocaille», at its origin, means artificial caves, where we find copies of shells. The already radiant shape of the inkwell is enhanced further by decorative features in the same sort of style: there is an upside down shell both at the top of, and at the flat part of the inkwell. The asymmetric composition of these different ornaments is typical of the Rocaille style. Léon Messagé was born on the 8th March 1842 in Sens, in Yonne. At the age of 20, he was living in Paris, at 23 rue de Rivoli and was then known as a «stone sculptor». Around 1885, he started to work with François Linke, a well known cabinetmaker during The Belle Époque, by making designs for his furniture and bronze ornaments for him. François Linke (1855-1946) remains nowadays well-known for his pieces of furniture, sometimes surprising, and always of extreme lavishness, where wood and gilt bronze are bringing each other out. He certainly was the most prominent French furniture manufacturer from the late 19th century until the eve of the Second World War, revealed at the 1900 Exhibition.They worked together until Messagé died, at the age of 58 on the 16th May 1901. Messagé became successful during the last decades of the 19th century thanks to his work with François Linke. In fact, Messagé received a gold medal at the 1889 Universal Exhibition, and he designed all the main pieces of furniture displayed at Francois Linke's stand at the 1900 Universal Exhibition. At this same exhibition, still at Francois Linke's stand, there was an inkwell made by Messagé especially for the event. This inkwell is shown in a book by Christopher Payne, François Linke, The Belle Epoque of French Furniture (p. 149). It features in particular the same general form and the waterfall on front of the inkwell. A second inkwell shown by Christopher Payne displays a vegetal motif which is very similar to that of our inkwell. Let us note as well that Messagé, who uses a same general shape for these three objects, takes clearly care to realize different bases and features for each one.Even though he worked a lot for Linke, Messagé always remained an independent artist, working for his own benefit. In his workshop situated at 40 rue Sedaine, in the eleventh arrondissement in Paris, he was both the designer and creator of his pieces of work. The main technique of Messagé's design is «rococo léger», an asymmetric characteristic of the art of rocailleur that Parisian artisans developed in the 1720s and for what he is known as creating a new version of. This inkwell is a good example of Léon Messagé 's unique curved design. Although the inkwell is not signed by himself, there is no doubt that this is his work. The similarity to the inkwell at the 1900 Universal Exhbition is more than obvious. Additionally, in his book of Louis XV style designs and sketches, published in 1890, we find the sketch of an inkwell, which is very similar to the one that we present you now.

Ref.3317
Antique Louis XIV style "Bollection" fireplace mantel in Sarrancolin Ilhet marble with its original marble floor

This Louis XIV style fireplace was built in the 19th century. This is a sophisticated model, with its curved mantel, embossed spandrels, and scrolls on each side of the jamb. Its Sarrancolin Ilhet marble has a very beautiful hue highlighted by the original marble floor in marble Blue Turquin . The contrast of the bluish gray, starred with white veins, with the orange marbles, create a remarkable effect. The design of the floor is also very original.

Ref.10986
Aeneas in the underworld - Antique Louis XVI style fireback

This antique Louis XVI style fireplace was made in the 19th century. It represents Aeneas in the underworld, episode narrated in Virgil's Aeneid. Aeneas wants to go to underworld to consult his father Anchises. He is helped by the Cumaean Sibyl who agrees to show him the way. When they are on the river Styx, the Sibyl convinces Charon to embark Aeneas, then to get Cerberus to sleep, the dog with three heads that guard the entrance of the Underworld and that we can see in the background on the fireback.

Ref.11010
Antique large Louis XV style fireback with Diana and the sages, 18th century

This Louis XV style cast iron fireback was made in the 18th century. In a central cartouche, a mythological goddess is depicted talking with bearded men. A moon crescent on her forehead refers to Diana (Artemis in Greek) or Luna (Selene in Greek), two goddesses connected with the moon. 18th century ornaments are surrounding this scene : grid alternating florets, bearded old profiles, acanthus and scrolls.

Ref.11116
Beautiful antique Louis XV style firescreen in gilt bronze with olive branches

This beautiful antique Louis XV style firescreen was made out of gilt bronze during the 19th century. The strongly curved frame is characteristic of the Louis XV style, as well as the rococo foliages. It is decorated with olive branches and has acquired a beautiful patina over the years.

Ref.11384
An antique Japonisme style trumeau with winged dragon

Ref.12129
Beautiful antique Napoleon III style trumeau with putti and flowers decor in gilded stucco

Beautiful antique Napoleon III style mirror in gilded stucco made in the 19th century. The frame is decorated with a frieze of pearls and twisted ribbon all around. The upper part is richly decorated with putti supported by a vase of flowers.

Ref.12215
Louis XV period fireback, dated 1769

Beautiful antique square fireback. The date 1769 is inscribed in the upper part of the fireback. 18th century fireback, period and Louis XV style.

Ref.12187
Two-patina bronze winged sphinx fire fender

Bar of chenets in gilt and patinated bronze, decorated with two winged sphinxes lying down. Central bar with stars.

Ref.12406
Antique fireback with lion and deer from the 17th century

Large cast iron fireback from the 17th century decorated with a coat of arms framed by a lion and a deer standing on their paws.

Ref.12850
Lot of around 10.5 m² of antique hexagonal terracotta tiles, 19th century

Antique 19th century period floor composed of hexagonal terracotta tiles from Provence. About 650 tiles of which the six sides are 3"1/8 for 6" 5/16 length and 13/16" thick. The whole surface area is about 10.5 m².

Ref.13276
Modern fireback with the French Revolution attributs

This modern fireback was made of cast iron. It is adorned with the attributs of the French Revolution such as the rooster and the Phrygian cap.

Ref.4671
Louis XV style fireplace in Carrara marble

Antique mantel carved in white Carrara marble during the 19th century. The slightly curved entablature is adorned in the centre with a beautiful upside down leafy shell from which large acanthus leaves emerge, classical Louis XV style ornamentation. This is enhanced by the carved motifs that surround it such as vertical ribbons, plant motifs including flowers, leaves and corncobs, as well as the oblong mouldings above and below the shell. The console jambs are beautifully carved with curves and counter curves of large beaded acanthus leaves surrounded by flowers on the head and scrolled foliage on the feet.

Ref.14310
Renaissance fireback from the 16th century decorated with an agricultural scene

Ref.14314
Fireback with the coat of arms of France from the 17th century

Fireback with the coat of arms of France from the 18th century reproduced in the book "Plaques de Cheminées" by Henri Carpentier, page 206.

Ref.14328
17th century fireback decorated with a warrior trophy surmounted by a medallion with a double portrait

Ref.14338
Fireback, circa 1600, with the arms of Angélique d'Estrées

Ref.5427
Louis XVI style mantel with garland and frieze of flowers

This Louis XVI-style mantel was carved in Carrara marble in the 19th century. At the center of the lintel, a gilded bronze garland is framed by a slightly protruding rectangular cartouche. On either side, two regular friezes of flowers surrounded by moldings echo each other. The jambs are marked by dices holding floral rosettes in ormolu, before taking the form of fluted pilasters. The rudentures are extended by ornamental bronzes in plant forms. The cast-iron interior is adorned with garlands hung with ribbons and trophies.

Ref.5320
Louis XVI style bronze mantel in Panazeau marble

Ref.5581
Louis XV style Pompadour mantel in Enjugerais marble

Ref.5485
Louis XIV style mantel in Marquina marble

Ref.5560
Louis XIV style mantel in Rouge de Rance marble adorned with bronze ornaments

Ref.15562
Louis XVI period gilded trumeau decorated with a garland of flowers

This overmantel is made of wood and decorated with gilding. It is from the Louis XVI period and embodies the style of the period, depicting ribbons or flowers, motifs characteristic of the decorative arts under Louis XV. Gilded moldings frame the overmantel, and the mirror and decorate the top of the overmantel. In the space created by the molding at the top, ribbons and a garland of wildflowers decorate the overmantel. In a central position, a ribbon knot is placed on top of the molding, supporting a ring that allows the garland to pass through.