A Late 19th century centerpiece with Empire style caryatids

Gilded and patinated bronze table centerpiece mounted on a stepped sea marble base featuring women dressed in long tunics at the corners and a central amphora with swan-shaped handles. Like the female-figure columns of the Erechtheion on the Acropolis in Athens, these patinated bronze caryatids support a fluted planter or fruit basket with a cane-like openwork design at the top. On either side of the receptacle is an arched garland of flowers, leaves, ribbons, a laurel wreath, a quiver and a caduceus. Some wear to the patina. irca 1860.