POSSIBLY BY CHARLES MATIFAT, PARIS, MID-19TH CENTURY

These imposing jardinières, cast with Assyrian iconography, are almost certainly the work of Charles Stanislas Matifat, who established his reputation as a superior bronzier under his father's tutelage in 1842. The Matifat firm frequently exhibited wares at the various international exhibitions, though is perhaps best known for their contributions at the Crystal Palace in London in 1851. Among a myriad of metalworks, the firm exhibited a 'large bronze vase of Assyrian style, by G. Deaterle and Playmann, of exquisite workmanship and finish', which was considered a favorite among the critics ( Official descriptive and illustrated catalogue: Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of all Nations, 1851, p. 1224). The decoration, executed in contrasting bronze and champlevé enamel, was further lauded in official jury reports as being 'designed in good taste and admirable in execution. The chasing, chiselling and finishing of these works, the Jury believe to be without parallels in their class." (Reports of the Juries, Spicer Brothers, London 1852, Vol. III, p.1106).