Directoire period painted sheet fountain, late 18th century

Important antique fountain in painted sheet metal imitating marble and bronze, enhanced with a gilded neoclassical decoration. Semicircular baluster in shape, it rests on a rectangular base with a mascaron centered on a gooseneck faucet with an open spout in patinated bronze. From both sides of the body escape two leafy handles topped with daisies. The whole is capped with a marquee cover topped with an ovoid socket. The elegant neoclassical decor consists of a band running through multiple diamonds interspersed with foliage scrolls. Each of the diamonds is adorned with musical instruments such as tambourines, harps and other brass instruments such as fifes and trumpets, not to mention the drum major's staff. The base of the vase is raised with bay leaves just like the catch of the lid. It should be noted that the body is still provided with its lead tank and its piping, but this has unfortunately been cut in order to separate the three elements constituting the fountain. This fountain has come down to us in its original condition, no restoration to report, only a few wrinkles of time are present such as slight lacks. Dimensions: Height 98cm, width 38.5cm. Under Louis XIV, objects covered with lacquer or oriental varnish fascinate collectors and many researchers are looking for the secret of these varnishes throughout Europe. It was not until around 1740, after the discovery of "amber varnish" in Italy by Bonami that the tests multiplied to end in 1768 with the creation in France of the first factory of painted sheets with the sign. of "Little Poland". It was followed a few years later by the opening of a second manufacture "Au Petit Dunkerque" run by Granchez.