➤ Item Condition :Good - Lightly used, with very light scratches, or minor cosmetic wear, but has no structural issues. Most antique and vintage items fit this condition.
➤ Product stock :In France
Description :
This refined oval bas-relief in gilded plaster is a remarkable example of 19th-century decorative art in the neoclassical tradition. The composition depicts a lively scene of playful putti, or cherubs, surrounded by abundant floral garlands. Executed in high relief, the figures are full of movement and charm: one cherub raises a wreath as if in celebration, another winged figure guides his companion, while a smaller putto emerges among the blossoms with a serene and contemplative expression. Together they embody innocence, festivity, and the allegorical themes of abundance and joy.
The entire surface is richly gilded, allowing the intricate details of flowers, hair, and wings to shimmer in the light. The brilliance of the gold accentuates the sculptural depth and provides a luxurious aura typical of 19th-century interiors. The oval frame, decorated with ribbon-like motifs, reflects the influence of Louis XVI style, which enjoyed a strong revival during the mid- to late-19th century under the Second Empire.
Works such as this were often created between 1850 and 1880, when plaster gilded ornaments became highly fashionable as overdoor medallions, wall decorations, or architectural embellishments. They echoed the grandeur of earlier neoclassical taste while being more accessible for bourgeois interiors. This piece is therefore not only decorative but also historically significant, offering a glimpse into the refined artistic language of the 19th century, where classical allegory and ornamental luxury were seamlessly combined.
