A PAIR OF ORMOLU CHENETS

IN THE MANNER OF JUSTE-AURELE MEISSONNIER

Details

A PAIR OF ORMOLU CHENETS
In the manner of Juste-Aurele Meissonnier
Each with asymetrically-cast foliate finial supported on the head of a grotesque mythical beast framed within rockwork C-scrolls and issuing an acanthus-wrapped pounced arm surmounted by a serpent-tailed sea-monster, re-gilt, each with later blacked-iron back-support
11¾ in. (30 cm.) wide; 12¼ in. (31.5 cm.) high; 17 in. (43 cm.) deep (2)

Lot Essay

Juste-Aurèle Meissonnier (1675-1750) was one of the greatest exponents of the Rococo style. The son of a silversmith and sculptor, he went to Paris in 1718 and later succeeded Jean Bérain as dessinateur de la Chambre et du Cabinet du Roi, the post responsible for designing court festivals.

A pair of very similar chenets, but with different finials, was offered anonymously in these Rooms, 15 December 1994, lot 421.

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