French Bronze Two-Tier Fountain

Ca. 1900, cast by the Val D’Osne foundry and with their inscription along bottom edge of columnar base at front and back, inscribed twice “S. Kellam” likely for owner, decorated with water gods, the base with putti and dolphin tails in front of the faceted base, the lower pan decorated with porpoises, a sculpture of ducks with cattails supporting the upper pan and putto finial.
h. 88-1/2", dia. 42"

Provenance: Collection of Reuben L. "Buzz" Harper, Natchez, Mississippi.

The exterior of the upper pan and the inside of the lower pan/basin have been coated, probably with a sealant. There are some small scattered losses to the dolphin/merchildren tails. There is no bottom pan/bowl. The diameter of the base is 20". Fountain exhibits nicks, scratches, accretions, wear and oxidation - all of which are consistent with age and outdoor use. Please note that the fountain is French, not Italian, and that the base is marked Valdosne, for Val D'Osne foundry. The column-form standard has two brass plaques marked "S. Kellam". Please also note that the foundry is probably fourth quarter 19th/first quarter 20th century.