Gustave-Joseph Chéret, French Belle Époque Figural Bronze Vase, ca. 1885

Antoine Bofill (Spanish-French, 1875-1925) was a Spanish artist and member of the Animalier movement of the 19th century. Best known for his small, decorative bronze sculptures, Bofi...

Belle Epoque ~ Tromp L'éoel Paperweight Ashtray w/ Cigarette & Match-Striker Holder in form of a Glove Patinated Bronze France, ca. 1880s ABOUT Made in France in the last quart...

ABOUT IRIS The iris is a special and mysterious flower. Not only because of its striking appearance, but also from an artistic and historical point of view. It is also like a work of art, as though created by Mother Nature. The unique leaves of this plant not only create wonderful shadow casts, but also look as if they were painted by hand. It's no wonder that iris acts as the muse for countless artists, and can be seen in many famous works of art. The iris was first spotted in the time of Pharaoh Thutmose, in 1504 BC. He had the iris inscribed into the wall reliefs of a temple as a sign of his power, as well as decorating his sceptre with motifs of the flower. Since then, the iris has been a symbol of victory in Egypt. But the symbolism of the iris goes further than that. In Japan, the flower represents courage and is the symbol of the boys' festival. In Islamic cultures, the iris is a symbol of prosperity. In Europe, the flower was a popular weapon symbol in the Middle Ages and stood for chivalry. And in Christianity, the iris was seen as a symbol of the trinity because of its three-part flowers. With more than 300 varieties, the iris is now the most popular flower among growers and gardeners following the rose. Countless artists use the iris in their works and the flower is present in all eras. You can see the flower on furniture, vases, jewelry, fabrics, sculptures, coats of arms and much more. Did you know that the iris is also called the sword lily? It's not a coincidence that it used to symbolize physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by a weapon. We also see the flower in religious art, where it's often associated with Mary and Jesus. The iris is also associated with the Greek goddess Iris, where the flower symbolizes reconciliation and divine messages. This is also reflected in many paintings. Finally, the iris is also visible in Dutch and Flemish still-life paintings. This can be in a religious form, incorporated into an object or as a decorative flower. In the Art Nouveau art movement, the iris (along with other plants, such as the birch) was often used as an expression of feminine beauty. With its almost otherworldly appearance, the iris is perfectly suited to the Art Nouveau aesthetic and is featured in many well-known works of art. The poet of that era, Hermann Hesse...

Signed illegibly original red marble base. Dimensions: H: 8.25” x W: 3.25” x D: 4.25” Base diameter: 2.75” This beautiful and delicate desktop dark chocolate-brown patinated br...

French Art Nouveau Ocean Life Theme Vase Cachepot Iridescent Stoneware & Patinated Bronze Crab Appliqué ca. 1900s ABOUT We present here a most unusual and utterly decorative Fren...

Émile Hébert, the wanderer, French Belle Époque patinated bronze sculpture, circa 1880s Dimensions: Height 24.75” Width 10.5” Depth 5.75” Pierre-...

Finely executed urn by sculptor Joseph Chéret (French, 1838-1894) inset with period aluminum liner for flowers. Epitomizes the mid-19th century Second Em...

Very large and finely cast bronze sculpture of frolicking cherubs after the French sculptor, Joseph Gustave Cheret (1838-1894).

Late 19th century Gilded age style glazed porcelain flaring decorative vases mounted with gilt bronze base and cherub-form handles. Each vase ...

A charming and most elegant French 19th century Louis XVI st. Belle Époque period ormolu, patinated bronze, and Baccarat crystal vase. The beautiful vase is raised by a striking pier...

This elegant vase has been carved out of alabaster around in the 1880' in France.

French Victorian monumental turquoise Sevres porcelain vase with cupids in relief on round pedestal base (signed JOSEPH CHERET)