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silla was born out of a passion for beautiful objects: special pieces with aesthetic and historical significance. In 2009, after years of collecting, Andrew Silla and his wife Grace began to work privately with clients from their residence in Southern Maryland. Quickly outgrowing the space, the business was moved from Maryland to Pennsylvania in 2012 and after several warehouse location changes it was firmly settled in the present brick-and-mortar location in downtown Shippensburg.

The 9000 square foot brick-and-mortar gallery is home to a large collection of works of art and estate jewelry. We specialize in sculpture circa 1860 through 1930 with a particular emphasis on the Animaliers and as such the gallery always has a very large collection of exceptional European and American sculpture available on display.

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"Penelope Sleeping", bronze sculpture | Pierre Jules Cavelier (French, 1814-94)

Cavelier, Pierre Jules

SKU:
012UQT09K
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catalog text

"PENELOPE SLEEPING" BRONZE SCULPTURE AFTER MODEL BY PIERRE JULES CAVELIER (FRENCH, 1814-94)
Cast by F. Barbedienne Fondeurs, sealed verso "120 J Cavelier" with A. Collas reduction seal; inscribed 86 to underside
Item # 012UQT09K


This is a precious little antique bronze sculpture by Pierre Jules Cavelier, originally exhibited at Salon in 1842 as Femme Grecque Edormie in plaster, was later exhibited in 1849 as a marble sculpture under the title of Penelope.  It was cast almost exclusively by the foundry of Ferdinand Barbedienne and is the only Cavelier sculpture to appear in their 1886 catalog in five reductions after the original.  This cast is La reduction no. 2, originally offered at 360 francs with a height of 36 cm.  

His works are quite scarce, only two sculptures being catalogued in Berman's extensive reference work (vol. III).  The sculpture is a highly detailed sand cast example, expertly tooled and finished with a complex parcel silver-plate, gilt highlighting and patination against an overall medium brown chemical patination.

The details throughout are finely chiseled, the back of the seat being impressed with a seal typical of Cavelier. The underside of the sculpture is gilt washed and includes a post-production marking of 86.

Measurements:  13 3/4" H x 8 3/4" D x 11 1/4" W

Condition Report:
A fine original patina with extensive natural discoloration to the silvered surface; handling wear to relief of patina throughout, allowing the warmer bronze undertones to come through. Traces of oxidization. Cleaned, waxed and polished - remaining a very fine presentation-ready selection.