A pair of Athenian-shaped perfume burners or potpourris... Lot 101

A pair of Athenian-shaped perfume burners or potpourris in bronze and patinated and gilded metal. The tripods are fluted pilasters with clawed feet, terminated by scrolls, the latter carried by winged mermaids with interlaced legs. Flared cups with openwork lids of palmettes and interlacing and topped by a seed. Base in triangular plinth, with concave sides, decorated in its center with a leafy composition. Modern work in the taste of the 18th century H : 120 - Diam : 36 cm Small accidents and deformations This type of incense burner was inspired by the ancient braziers and tripods discovered during the excavations of Herculaneum and Pompeii. These new forms were taken up and reinterpreted by the artists of the reign of Louis XVI who wanted to revive the spirit of Antiquity. The winged mermaids that are part of the composition of the decor are inspired by the projects of Parisian ornamentalists of the last quarter of the 18th century. They can be found on light arms or sconces by Jean-François Forty and Jean-Demosthène Dugourc. Pierre-Philippe Thomire, in collaboration with Weisweiler, also used this decorative element, placed on the uprights of pedestal tables.