When the Exposition Internationale de L’Est de la France took place in Loraine, France, in 1909, the boys at Baccarat, who already enjoyed world renown at this point, were emboldened by the opportunity to show off their prowess for the decorative arts in their own backyard. The exposition drew more than two million visitors and featured 2,000 exhibitors, including Daum, Gallé and countless others. What resulted from Baccarat’s ambition was a tour de force centerpiece
produced by French artist Hippolyte Moreau, “The Three Graces,” which highlights Bonhams’ upcoming decorative arts sale. It joins other lots from around the United States in this week’s picks.
The Three Graces: An Important Baccarat Glass and Gilded Bronze Centerpiece by Hippolyte Moreau
Created for the Exposition Internationale de L’Est de la France, the clear crystal glass vase deeply cut with vertical flutes and mounted with gilded bronze handles, supported above their shoulders by three dancing maidens also in gilded bronze, the maidens partially covered by diaphanous drapery, the two-level base also in crystal glass and with further mounts and feet of gilded bronze, the metal mount at the base of the vase stamped with the Baccarat factory mark, circa 1909–10.
Estimate: $180/240,000
