A LARGE FRENCH ORMOLU CENTERPIECE

This model for this large and finely-chased jardinière was exhibited alongside the myriad of bronze works at the center of the Lerolle Frères award-winning stand at the London 1862 International Exhibition. The firm was fêted by critics for their luxury decorations by 'first-class artists, while modelling, molding, chiseling and finish rank among the bronze-masters of Paris' (The Illustrated Catalogue of the Paris International Exhibition, 1878, p. 153). In 1862, Lerolle participated in the Exposition des Beaux Arts Appliqués à l'Industrie and the same year were manufacturing bronzes for the Maison S.A.I. le Prince Napoléon, and the l'Hôtel de la Commission Française. An identical centerpiece was sold at Chirstie's, New York, 13 April 2017, lot 156.