Louis XV Gilded Bronze Mantel Set, Set of 6

Description

Sublime ormolu mantel set, finely chiseled and burnished in the agathe style.

it is composed of a clock resting on … more Sublime ormolu mantel set, finely chiseled and burnished in the agathe style.

it is composed of a clock resting on four arched feet, with a rocaille decoration characterized by the fantasy of the contoured lines recalling the volutes of the shells with their scrolls, as well as a pair of candelabras with two intertwined arms of light with a very pronounced rocaille decoration, with leaves and flowers forming bobèches.

each piece is sublimated by small blue velvet cushions in gilded wood with gold leaf.
the three cushions have been entirely restored by the workshops henda bayoud (paris-ile de france) where the know-how and the concern to preserve our beautiful heritage, in the rules of art are the pillars of this workshop.

its dial with chiseled hand has roman numerals.
original movement without modification, ringing of the hours and half-hours on old bell.

period: end of xixth - napoleon iii
style: louis xv
dimensions: clock - h:28 x w:21 x d:11cm
candelabra: h:25 x 18 cm
provenance: france

gilding on metal is often done with mercury. The gold is in the form of a pellet, mixed with mercury.
it is applied to the metal surface (bronze, copper) with a metal brush.

the mercury must then disappear, either by evaporation if it is heated, or by volatilization if it is dried in the open air.

gold can also be deposited by electrolysis. The passage of electric current will transfer the metal to the support.

in both cases, the gilding must then be burnished with agate or matte, and patinated.

in the language of gilders, burnishing means "sanding" the leaf.
to perform this operation specific tools are used, they are "agate stone burnishers".

agates exist in several sizes and shapes depending on the work to be done. less