Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Centerpiece Crystal Attrib. to Baccarat

Magnificent Late 19th - Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Centerpiece with Crystal attributed to Baccarat.

Imagine this breathtaking centerpiece on your center table, countertop, bedside table or elsewhere – a deeply cut crystal tazza, adorned with intricate motifs, rests majestically upon an ormolu sculpture depicting three graceful swans, each meticulously hand-chiseled. This magnificent French gilt bronze and cut crystal centerpiece exemplifies the grandeur of the Early 19th Century Empire style.

Measures: 14 1/2" High x 12 1/2" Diameter This quality centerpiece in very good antique condition.

See additional condition details below.

For similar Baccarat dishes, see last photo Sotheby's, 19th century furniture, Sculpture, Ceramics and Works of Art, October 24, 2007, New York, Lot 272 Maison Baccarat.

Further enhancing its historical significance, the piece bears a rare mark indicating it was once a cherished possession of the celebrated opera singer Édouard de Reszke. When in London, the Reszke brothers performed for Queen Victoria during gala performances at the Royal Opera House or command performances at Windsor Castle. He was awarded the Royal Victorian Order (R.V.O.) from the Queen.

Édouard de Reszke (22 December 1853 – 25 May 1917) was a Polish bass from Warsaw. A member of the musical Reszke family, he was a successful opera singer, as were his brother Jean and his sister Josephine. He made his debut in Aida in Paris on 22 April 1876.

Born with an impressive natural voice and equipped with compelling histrionic skills, he became one of the most illustrious opera singers active in Europe and America during the late-Victorian era. He is most famous for his role as Mephistopheles in Faust. He was also known for his roles as Leporello, Sachs, and Hagen.

After he retired from the stage, he taught singing until he had significant health problems. He and his family suffered during the war, cut off from others, with shooting through opposite sides of the house. His health worsened during the war and he died in 1917.