19th Century Antoine Durenne Foundry Neoclassical Pedestal With Marble Top

Second half 19th Century, cast iron with applied black patina, rectangular form with paneled sides each having a single round bas relief Neoclassical bronze portrait medallion surrounded by laurel wreath and instrument decoration, egg and dart molded cornice supporting a red marble top, base signed “A. Durenne / Maitre de Forger / Sommevoire|h.e marne|.”

37 1/2 x 15 1/4 x 15 1/4

Educated at l’Ecole des Arts et metiers in Angers and l’Ecole des Beaux-Arts (1841-1842), Antoine Durenne operated a foundry at Sommevoire, in Haute-Marne, France. His firm was active between 1847 and 1930, producing a variety sculptural and ornamental works in iron and bronze. Durenne was a founding member of l’Ecole Nationale des Arts Décoratifs, and exhibited at the Universal Exhibitions of 1855, 1867, and 1878.