Pair of Empire period cassolettes

A pair of Empire-style incense burners in finely chased and gilded bronze.

They function as incense burners and, by reversing the lid, transform into a pair of candlesticks.

The vase-shaped body is adorned around its rim with a finely sculpted frieze of putti and rests on a bronze base with a brown patina, decorated with lion's head motifs.

Traditionally attributed to Thomire, this model has recently been reattributed by Jean-Dominique Augarde to the bronze sculptor Jean-Baptiste Héricourt (JD Augarde, "Une nouvelle vision du bronze et des bronziers sous le Directoire et l'Empire," L'Estampille l'objet d'art, no. 398, January 2005, pp. 76-77). This vase-shaped potpourri container, accompanied by a clock and forming a complete set, was designed before 1799, and one of its first recipients was Tsar Paul I of Russia.

Jean-Baptiste Héricourt exhibited at the 1806 Exhibition of Industrial Products; at the time, he was at the head of a thriving workshop.

Empire period work, early 19th century.

Very good condition.