Empire centerpiece. France, ca. 1800

Empire centerpiece. France, ca. 1800.
Mercury gilded bronze. Original glass of Cristallerie de Vonêche.
Measurements: 47 x 24 x 24 cm.

This Empire table centerpiece is supported on a high base of cylindrical format whose slightly domed center is crossed by a floral garland. On it rests the winged figure of Cupid, represented in a kneeling position holding the bow with his right hand, on whose head rests, like an atlante, a krater with a sub-cup in the classical manner. This cup is decorated with acanthus leaves and openwork floral motifs. The set is crowned by an original cut crystal vessel from Cristallerie de Vonêche, a Swiss crystal factory, founded at the end of the 18th century, which became one of the most important in Europe. It produced high quality glass, both window glass and cut and decorative glass, using an innovative process that allowed to obtain a transparent, resistant and easy to work glass.