Charles Vital Cornu

CHARLES VITAL CORNU (Paris, 1851- 1927)
Vase. Ca. 1895.
Silver-plated pewter.
Signed on the reverse.
Stampof the Sussé Freres foundry, Paris on the lower back.
Bibliography: Philippe Dahhan, "Etains 1900 - 200 Sculpteurs de la Belle Epoque", Editions de l'amateur. Page 402, fig. 1249.
Weight: 9,600 g.
Measurements: 40 x 22 x 22 x 22 cm.

Art Nouveau vase of silver-plated pewter sculptural design, with the mouth decorated in relief with flowers as a bouquet and at the bottom side, a seated nymph.

Charles Vital-Cornu (1851-1927) was a distinguished French sculptor trained under the tutelage of masters such as Isidore Pils, Eugène Delaplanche and François Jouffroy. His brilliant career began with a gold medal at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, a success that continued with an honorable mention in his debut at the 1889 Salon. Recognized for his leadership within the artistic community, he presided over the Union of French Artists and was vice-president of the Société libre des artistes français. Among his highest distinctions were his appointment as Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur in 1896 and the silver medal he received at the 1900 Universal Exposition at the Grand Palais.

Susse Frères (Susse Fondeur), founded in 1758, is recognized as the oldest French art foundry still in operation. The company established itself as a foundry and art publishing house in the early 19th century. In 1840, they created their first bronze fabrication workshop (dedicated to assembly, chiseling and patina), securing their status as a full member of the Réunion des Fabricants de Bronze that same year.