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Charles-Guillame Diehl and Jean Brandely Museum Quality Neo-Grec Torchères, 1870

Creator: Charles-Guillaume Diehl
Offered by: Solomon Treasure

Description
A highly important pair of Charles-Guillame Diehl and Jean Brandely Museum Quality Ormolu and Porcelain Mounted Ebony Neo-Grec Torchères / Pedestals circa 1870.

Majestic and exemplary of the masterpieces created especially for the International Exhibitions, this significant and incredibly rare pair of Napoleon III-period torchères were created by famed ebeniste Charles-Guillame Diehl, the greatest French cabinetmaker of the 19th century. An incredible tour de force of Diehl's iconic Neo-Grec aesthetic, the breathtaking, hand-chiseled ormolu mounts of caryatids, fans, and garlands, were created by designer Jean Brandley, and match exactly to those featured prominently upon furnishings Diehl showcased at the 1867 Exhibition Universelle in Paris.

The ebonized fruitwood forms are contrasted by the impeccable ormolu. Brilliantly hued porcelain panels add color to these already spectacular 19th century masterpieces. Diehl's creations command tremendous attention on the rare occasion they become available on the market. A center table by Diehl bearing the exact ormolu decorations as these torchères sold at Christie's in 2012 for over $305,000.00. Exhibiting artistry and execution of matchless quality, these torchères are truly a rarity executed by the hand of a master.

A native of Steinbach, Germany, Charles-Guillaume Diehl came to Paris in 1840 and established a large atelier, where he employed no less than 600 craftsmen by 1870. Diehl participated in the Great Exhibition in 1851 and in all the major international exhibitions during the mid-19th century thereafter. At the 1867 Universal Exposition, Diehl was awarded a silver medal, and the winning cabinet that he presented that year is one of the pieces of furniture most often cited and reproduced of the period. He exhibited it in 1873 at the Universal Exposition of Vienna and obtained a medal of progress. Diehl became a naturalized French citizen in 1872. His pieces are housed in such prestigious museums as the Musée d’Orsay, Paris, the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, the Musée de l’Ecole de Nancy, Nancy and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Measures: 19" square x 56" high

Very good condition, ready to place.

A single example of this model is illustrated in H. Samaha, Beirut: Hidden Treasures, 2014 p. 221.

More Information

Documentation:	Ample Provenance
Origin:	France
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Ebony,Ormolu,Porcelain
Condition:	Good.
Creation Date:	1870
Number of Pieces:	2-3
Styles / Movements:	Traditional, Napoleon
Incollect Reference #:	633435