Eugène Cornu d. 1875 A fine Goût Etrusque gilt and silvered bronze, and champlevé enamel mounted onyx centerpiece Paris, circa 1870-75

each side centered by a medaillon with a classical female mask, one engraved Eug. CORNU. PARIS

Overall in good condition but with losses to silvering to top of arms of both cupids. The silver tarnished consistent with natural oxydisation.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
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The sculptor and bronzier Eugène Cornu (d. 1875) was a prominent Parisian artist to involve himself with new mediums and had a paricular interest in Algerian marble and onyx mines. Working closely with G. Viot, he exhibited extensively at the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1867. He also exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1874 and was a director of a bronze foundry as well as several other establishments in Paris. Amongst his numerous entreprises and partnerships, the one with G. Viot et Cie was the most successful and both were recorded at the premises of G. Viot & Cie. 'The Algerian Onyx-Marbles Co.', 24, boulevard des Italiens, Paris. They both had a huge success at the London 1862 and Paris 1867 Exposition Universellem, consequently winning the médaille d'or in 1867. See Calalogue de la Exposition Universelle de 1862, Section française, London 1862; Masterpieces of Industrial Art and Sculpture, J.B.Waring, London 1862.