French Masterpieces of Gilt Bronze
This exhibition brings together outstanding objects from the late eighteenth century and demonstrates the extraordinary creativity of neoclassical design in this often overlooked area of decorative art. Frequently designed by architects and modelled by celebrated sculptors, gilt bronze was used to create beautiful yet functional objects such as clocks and candelabra, and to embellish furniture and porcelain. This exhibition highlights works by the great masters, including Pierre Gouthière, François Rémond and Claude Pitoin, many of which were commissioned by the wealthiest patrons and collectors of the day. Displayed alongside these gilt-bronze masterpieces are contemporary drawings of Ancient Rome by a leading French architect, Pierre-Adrien Pâris. Find out more about the ‘Gilded Interiors’ exhibition from the Wallace Collection’s website.
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Detail of a Candlestick, designed by Jean-Démonsthène Dugourc and produced by François Rémond in c. 1783. Courtesy The Wallace Collection
Detail of a Perfume Burner attributed to Pierre Gouthière, produced in 1774–75. Courtesy The Wallace Collection
Detail of a Candlestick by Claude-Jean Pitoin, produced in 1781. Courtesy The Wallace Collection
Detail of a Candelabrum, possibly by François Rémond, produced in 1783–86. Courtesy The Wallace Collection
Detail of a Mantel Clock designed by François-Joseph Belanger, produced in 1781. Courtesy The Wallace Collection
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