A WHITE, POLYCHROME AND PARCEL-GILT PORCELAIN CHIMNEY PIECE, LOUIS-PHILIPPE, CIRCA 1835-1840, BY JACOB PETIT |

composed of 7 dismantled elements with the busts of Queen Eleanor of Austria and King Francis I of France, hunting scenes and trophies; (without top)

Related literature:
Nouvelles acquisitions du département des Objets d'art 1995-2002, Paris, 2003, pp. 236-238

Illustration is accurate. As visible on photographs, the gilding is extensively worn on the borders, edges and framings. Some traces of restoration to the gilding with a "bronzine". Otherwise, the plaques in good condition overall, with tiny minor scratches in places. The embossed faces in good condition. On the sides of the plaques, there are plaster traces from a previous fixation to a fireplace. As stated in the catalogue, there is not any top. Very interesting model inspired by hunting. / Illustration fidèle. Comme on peut le voir sur le catalogue, la dorure est très usée sur les bordures, arêtes et entourages des éléments. Quelques traces de reprises à la dorure avec une bronzine. Sinon l’ensemble des plaques en bon état avec de très petites rayures superficielles par endroits. Les visages en relief en bon état. Sur les côtés des plaques il y a des traces de plâtre et composition verte destinés à assurer l’ensemble lors du montage de la cheminée. Modèle intéressant sur le thème de la chasse. Sans plateau.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This fireplace was made by the Parisian porcelain artisan, Jacob Mardochée alias Jacob Petit (1796-1868). Student of the artist Antoine-Jean Gros, he then worked at the Sèvres manufacture after 1822. He published his portfolio Ornements et decorations intérieures, following a trip to Europe at the beginning of Louis-Philippe’s reign, and had two factories, one at Fontainebleau and the other in Paris. Recognized for his creativite forms, eclectic compositions and exuberant polychromy, he took part in the 1834 Exhibition of Industrial Products and presented a porcelain fireplace with atlantes. Our model belongs to his Neo- Renaissance repertoire depicting, in addition to a hunting scene and trophies, busts of Eleanor of Austria and Francis I. Note also the presence at the Louvre of an almost identical chimney with the royal portraits surrounded by birds decoration (OA 11958, former collection of  Dina Vierny). The fragility of these porcelain chimney pieces renders our copy a rare testament of this historicism taste in private decoration under France’s Monarchie de Juillet, like the woodwork from Baron William Hope’s room displayed at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and some interiors from James de Rothschild’s hôtel particulier rue Laffitte, today disappeared.

Keep in mind that these elements of décor were much appreciated by the famous decorator Madeleine Castaing (1894-1992) who notably mounted a fireplace attributed to the same manufacturer in her bedroom at Lèves, near Chartres. In vogue since the Thirties, the "Castaing style" that she established, mixed Neoclassicism and Second French Empire. It juxtaposed objects and furniture of various provenances and eras, while favoring those from 19th century Europe and Russia.