A rare and good Val d'Osne Foundry cast iron group of 'Foolish Love' French, third quarter 19th century

Related Literature

J.C. Renard, L'Age de la Fonte, un Art une Industrie. 1800-1914. Suivi d'un Dictionnaire des Artistes, Paris 1985.

‘For Love, tho’blind, will reign around
The world; but still where-ever found,
Folly shall lead him.’

(from La Folie et l'Amour, Jean de la Fontaine, 1685)

Love and Folly

The morality ‘Debat de Folie et d’Amour’ or 'The Contest of Love' by the French poet Louise Labé (1525-1566) recounts the intriguing story of the blindness of Love (or Cupid). At a festival at Jupiter's palace Love and Folly fall out with each other. Love, fathoming there is no reasoning with Folly, bends his bow and shoots an arrow but alas, Folly has made herself invisible. In her rage, Folly strikes Love so hard he will never see again. Love's mother, Venus, turns to Jupiter to ask for vengeance. After pleads from both parties, Jupiter in his wisdom decides that 'Folly shall lead Love, and take him whithersoever he pleases'.

The Val d'Osne foundry

The foundry of Val d'Osne became highly regarded for the varied nature and quality of its castings in the second half of the 19th century. The foundry had originally been started by J.P.V. André in 1835 in Val d'Osne and developed rapidly. He contributed to the London International Exhibition of 1851, where his bronze fountain cast with classical figures attracted much attention. André also specialised in fancy castings and architectural fittings. His Paris adress was at 14 Rue Neuve, Menilmontant.
In 1855 the Barbezat & Cie Foundry was born out of the André workshop. In 1867 Barbezat & Cie changed its name to Houille & Cie. Then, in 1870, it changed its name to Société Anonyme du Val d'Osne. With the change of name came the change of casting mark and adress: Fonderies d'Art du Val d'Osne, 58 Bd Voltaire, Paris.