Western Europe, France, Neoclassical, ca. late 18th to 19th century CE. A splendid gilt brass standing dish of a stylized dolphin / sea serpent upon a ocean themed pedestal supporting a beautiful seashell! The shell is a large type of clam with maroon stripes, sometimes called a "bear paw or horse hoof clam" due to its shape. The desire for "bronzes d'ameublement" (functional and decorative bronzes) was prevalent amongst the wealthy during this period, and this elegant piece captures the Classical Greco-Roman style- the dolphin a symbol of Venus, and the shell alluding to a version of her birth, made famous by Renaissance painter, Sandro Botticelli. Size: 7.5" L x 5.3" W x 7.75" H (19 cm x 13.5 cm x 19.7 cm); gold quality: 4%

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

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#179103

Tiny stable fissures on brass base surface. Nicks and surface wear to brass with some small casting imperfections. Areas of green patina and oxidation and dark toning. Minor chips to shell rim.