Western Europe, France, ca. early to mid-19th century CE. A stunning bronze sculpture with a foundry mark faintly on the base, the snake twining around the bird's foot is gilt with 8.7% gold, and the shell dish has an 8.4% silver-gilt. This piece is modeled off both Classical Greco-Roman and Asian elements - the clawed foot gripping a tortoise that supports a scallop shell with a snake twining over the top, forming a handle. Ancient oil lamps dating to the Han Dynasty cast of bronze often depict cranes atop turtles, both animals were symbolic of longevity, while snakes entwined with the turtle also represented long life as well as the mythical symbol the "Black Tortoise" (Genbu). Ancient Romans and Greeks also found snakes as suitable handles, the arching body looping over the rims of oil lamps, kyathos, and kylix vessels, much like this sculpture. A striking combination of the "Orientalism" and "Neoclassicism" that was so popular in European art at this time. Size: 5.25" L x 5.25" W x 9" H (13.3 cm x 13.3 cm x 22.9 cm)

The snake is gilt with 8.7% gold across the bronze surface, and the shell is washed with a 8.4% silver gilding to contrast with the amber bronze of the tortoise. The desire for "bronzes d'ameublement" (functional and decorative bronzes) was prevalent amongst the wealthy, complex bronze guild systems arose to meet these demands. Compared to other known examples in institutions and museums, the barely visible mark on the base is most similar to "Vittoz Bronzier." Limited information is available in regard to Vittoz, but a bronze foundry operating under that name was active in Paris from the early to mid-19th century, and first recorded in 1818 with an entry in the Meeting of Manufacturers.

Provenance: private Rancho Mirage, California, USA collection, by inheritance in 2020; ex-Dr. TDR Berreth, California, USA, acquired before 1982

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#179104

Make mark is very faint on base and nearly indiscernible. Leg is slightly loose but secure to turtle. Fading and losses to gold-gilt surface on snake and silver-gilt shell. Minor surface wear and abrasions, but otherwise intact and excellent. Areas of green and white oxidation / patina and dark toning throughout.