Large Italian Art Nouveau Silvered Bronze Charger by Broggi

This exceptional silvered-bronze charger by Argenteria Broggi of Milan, features a central pair of a nymph and satyr surrounded by flora, and is a superb example of the skill and virtuousity of Italian Art Nouveau metalworkers. The figures are deeply cast and set in high relief, especially the nymph, whose long, slender limbs, erotic form, and thin, flowing drapery occupy the central space, and rise out of the concave silver disc. She is complemented superbly by the sinewy and masculine figure of the satyr to her right. The two stand against a background of low-relief flora and are framed on either sides by vines which blossom outwards, into large leaves and fruit, to form the handles of the shield.

The forms of the nymph and satyr, evidence of great artistic assurity and fluency, are brought to a superb finish and polish, and they evoke a wonderfully gentle and flowing sense of movement, as if the figures shown are partaking in a ritual or marital dance. The artist has worked in a contrast both between areas of high and low relief, but also between the rougher and more rustic elements of the setting, and the carefully delineated delicate forms of the central figures. 

Impressed on the top of the rim is the signature 'Argenteria Broggi Milano', that of the early 20th century Milanese maker, and the piece is housed upon a painted metal easel.

Shield: Height 70cm, width 90cm, depth 18cm
Easel: Height 182cm, width 99cm, depth 80cm