19th Century French Silvered Bronze 2-Piece Surtout de Table

Known in France as a surtout de table, this mirrored centerpiece is from circa 1900. The 13 ¾ inch diameter mirror is surrounded by a tripartite bronze base, which has been gilded using an ormolu technique, which is a coating of finely ground gold. Notice the bright color of the ormolu, indicating that a high-karat gold was used (total diameter is 17 1/2 inches). The edge of the mirrored section is surrounded by a thin ring of highly detailed grapevines. At the bottom edge of the base is another cluster of grapes, with much larger leaves. The second ring is interrupted on three occasions by a lobed leaf, each terminating in a thick, volute foot. Surtout de tables were often gilded or silvered or surrounded by exotic metals, making them highly sought-after furnishings. Typically, they were used as ornamental centerpieces on formal dining tables, allowing candlesticks and serving pieces to be displayed, although our mirrored ormolu surtout de table...

Although the Rococo in France (where the style originated) lasted from roughly 1725 to 1760, other countries in Europe produced period art and furniture until the late 18th century. One such country was Italy and in particular, Venice, where this unusual carved walnut centerpiece was hand-carved, circa 1780. A large shell-form bowl with volute leaf embellishments is being held by three putti emerging from an undulating base. The wave pattern is reminiscent of a foaming sea, further indicated by the stylized dolphin tails emerging from the spray. All of the tails are textured with a lozenge-patterned background, protruding as high-relief elements. On the underside, the scalloped tips of the water swing down in three areas, forming well-disguised feet. The carvings of the centerpiece are quite exceptional, given the height and breadth of the piece. A wonderful decorative accessory for any large table, our walnut Venetian centerpiece...

Presented in three sections, this unique French stone arcade measures over 12 ½ feet in length. Hand-carved in Burgundy, France, during the mid-1800s, the limestone has a pleasing ne...

Originating in the 1800s in France, this stunning fireplace mantel was hand-carved from rouge de France marble. The marble has a wonderful red and brown palette with white and gray v...

This small bronze mortar and pestle are from 19th century France. The outside of the mortar has been adorned with mascarons and geometric patterns that rise from chased sides. The pe...

This elegant French gilt bronze table lamp signed Moreau depicts Erato, the Greek goddess of music, dance and song. She is represented holding a lyre while her left arm is leaning upon an open book that rests upon a fluted column. Trailing ivy extends down the upper portion of the column. She carries the lyre in her right hand which hangs down to her right hip. There is a serene and pensive expression on her face as she looks down and to her left. She stands on an indented and canted, lacquered black base with a gilt metal wreath...

A fine pair of French 19th-20th century Louis XV style gilt-bronze surtout-de-Table plateau centerpieces by the Parsian Orfèvre Paul Canaux et Cie. The ovoid shaped gilt-bronze bodie...

A magnificent French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu and mirrored Surtout de Table centerpiece. The centerpiece is raised by ten elegant topi...

A spectacular and monumentally scaled French 19th century Restauration period ormolu surtout de table mirrored centerpiece plateau. The most impressive ...

Decorate a console or dining table with this elegant antique centerpiece. Crafted in France circa 1950 and made of bronze with silver, the "Surtout de Table" (table centerpiece) stan...

A Fantastic Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Mirror Surtout De Table Circular form, cast with a grapevine bronze gallery and fruit filled centerpieces...

A very fine French 19th-20th century neoclassical revival style ebonized wood and figural silver plated mounted plateau Surtout de Table centerpiece...