Set of four gilt bronze high-relief plaques by M. Moreau

Designed to hang on a wall, this set of four plaques is crafted from shining ormolu.

Sculpted in high relief, each plaque depicts a trio of putti, who engage in different activities. In the first, they ride atop a phoenix, whilst one blows a horn ceremoniously. In the second, they can be seen forging weapons, with the scene set against the night sky. The third is a harvest scene, which shows the cherubs collecting crops and sowing the land. In the final panel, the cherubs ride atop mythical fish, mirroring the subject of the first panel. The scenography is typical of neoclassical putti decoration, and evokes the charm with which these classical cherubs were associated.

The sculptural work is particularly deft on these models, with the lithe bodies of the cherubs standing out against the shallower backdrops. Each scene is set within a raised border.

All four of the panels are signed on the lower rim ‘Math. Moreau’. Mathurin Moreau (1822-1912) was a skilled French bronze sculptor working in the academic style. Moreau was born into a family of sculptors: his father, Jean-Baptiste Moreau as well as his brothers Auguste and Hippolyte were all celebrated sculptors in their own right.

This superb set displays the remarkable sculptural skill of their maker, making them fantastic antique collectable pieces.