Large French Empire style bronze, ormolu, malachite and lapis planter

This superb piece is a magnificent example of French Empire style design and art, demonstrating all the main iconographic staples of the style, in a host of rich, beautiful precious materials.

Crafted from bronze, ormolu (gilt-bronze), malachite and lapis lazuli, it comprises a large cuboid body, decorated with alternating panels of lapis and malachite with images of Classical deities in ormolu in relief, with column pedestals interspersed, beneath a foliate acanthus applied frieze and above symmetrical twins of griffins.

The planter is mounted upon lapis legs, benetah female busts and placed on lion paw feet, with a lower gallery joined between the legs with a surtout-de-table style frieze and design. The deity images are particularly pleasing, elegantly and expressively designed and applied, giving this piece, which exemplifies the lavish, grand, proud nature of the French Empire style, an artistic and decorative depth.