Art Nouveau Vegetable Motifs Tray by Albert Marionnet, France, 1890s

Decorative embossed bronze tray with vegetal motifs of cereals, wheat and corn in Art Nouveau style. It has two handles on the sides of the oval, formed by the stems of the cereals themselves. The cereals surround the oval shape of the piece at the top, and expand along the edge in a delicate relief of great realism. The base has several supports to help elevate the tray so that it is displayed in all its glory.

It wonderfully exemplifies the stylistic trends of Art Nouveau that flourished especially in the decorative arts, such as in this case metalwork objects. Stylized natural and vegetal motifs became very popular as decorative elements, leaving behind references to classical and academic art.

Albert Marionnet (1852-1910)

Albert Marionnet was a French artist born in 1852 and died in 1910. He is best known as a renowned sculptor and bronzesmith, whose works achieved high prices at auction. with his innovative creations and keen sense of aesthetics, Albert Marionnet left his mark on the history of 19th-century French art.

In 1882 he opened his own art foundry in Paris, which soon became one of the most important centers of the bronze industry in France. He specialized in the gilt bronze technique, which involves covering a bronze sculpture with a thin layer of gold. This technique gave the sculpture a luxurious and elegant appearance that attracted many wealthy clients of the time. Albert Marionnet's sculptures are often inspired by nature, animals and mythological creatures.

Albert Marionnet also created numerous functional art objects, such as ashtrays, jewelry boxes and vases. All of these pieces are decorated with delicate motifs and relief details, testimony to the talent and technical mastery of the artist.

Dimensions: 9 x 33 x 50 cm.