Baccarat Crystal and Doré Bronze Centerpiece

Luxurious doré bronze cradles the finest Baccarat crystal in this beautiful French Second Empire compote centerpiece. This magnificent vessel reflects the elaborate Louis XV style that Napoleon III and his wife, the stylish Empress Eugénie, adored. The centerpiece features large acanthus leaf-styled handles crafted in deep relief, while the large cut crystal center bowl showcases a bold design of scalloped sides enhanced by layered red detail and a red crystal bottom. Resting on four foliate feet on a splayed-footed base, this centerpiece is a fascinating marriage of color and texture. Established by the Royal Decree of Louis XV in 1765, Baccarat has consistently produced glass and crystal works that have revolutionized and dazzled the industry. From the beginning, the company received numerous royal commissions from French nobility and aristocrats across Europe, most notably Czar Nicolas of Russia, Louis XV, Louis XVI and Napoleon. They won their first gold medal at the 1855 International Exhibition and have continued to carry off prizes at international exhibitions since. Today, antique works by this prestigious company are exceedingly rare, especially magnificent examples such as this. Circa 1860 28” length x 8 1/2” deep x 13 1/2” high Read more