JEAN-BAPTISTE CLESINGER (1814-1883) The owl and the tortoise Bronze with silvered patina and lapis lazuli base.
This finely cast miniature version of The Owl and the Tortoise represents one of Jean-Baptiste Clésinger’s most intriguing allegorical compositions. Executed in silvered bronze and mounted on a cut and polished lapis lazuli plinth, the sculpture captures the whimsical yet symbolic pairing of an owl perched upon the back of a tortoise — wisdom joined with patience and longevity.
The model is signed “J. Clésinger 1867” and bears the prestigious foundry mark of Maison Marnyhac, 1 Rue de la Paix, — a foundry renowned for producing editions of works by leading 19th-century sculptors.
While full-size bronzes of this model are known at approximately 38 cm in height, and reduced versions at around 11 cm, this particular casting is a rare miniature edition standing roughly 6 cm high, showing meticulous hand finishing and the distinctive surface patina characteristic of Marnyhac’s silvered bronze work.
Details:
Artist: Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clésinger (1814 – 1883)
Title: The Owl and the Tortoise
Date: circa 1867
Medium: Silvered bronze
Foundry: Maison Marnyhac, 1 Rue de la Paix, Paris
Height: approx. 6 cm (excluding base)
Base: Lapis lazuli, faceted octagonal form
Signature: J. Clésinger 1867 (cast into the base)
Foundry mark: MARNYHAC 1 RUE DE LA PAIX
Condition:
Very good antique condition with minor loss and age-appropriate toning to the silvered finish. The lapis base retains a fine polish with natural inclusions and crazing visible under close inspection.
Notes:
Miniature versions of The Owl and the Tortoise are seldom recorded. A period Parisian casting — likely produced for the luxury decorative arts market in the late 1860s.
JEAN-BAPTISTE CLESINGER (1814-1883) The owl and the tortoise Bronze with silvered patina and lapis lazuli base.
This finely cast miniature version of The Owl and the Tortoise represents one of Jean-Baptiste Clésinger’s most intriguing allegorical compositions. Executed in silvered bronze and mounted on a cut and polished lapis lazuli plinth, the sculpture captures the whimsical yet symbolic pairing of an owl perched upon the back of a tortoise — wisdom joined with patience and longevity.
The model is signed “J. Clésinger 1867” and bears the prestigious foundry mark of Maison Marnyhac, 1 Rue de la Paix, — a foundry renowned for producing editions of works by leading 19th-century sculptors.
While full-size bronzes of this model are known at approximately 38 cm in height, and reduced versions at around 11 cm, this particular casting is a rare miniature edition standing roughly 6 cm high, showing meticulous hand finishing and the distinctive surface patina characteristic of Marnyhac’s silvered bronze work.
Details:
Artist: Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clésinger (1814 – 1883)
Title: The Owl and the Tortoise
Date: circa 1867
Medium: Silvered bronze
Foundry: Maison Marnyhac, 1 Rue de la Paix, Paris
Height: approx. 6 cm (excluding base)
Base: Lapis lazuli, faceted octagonal form
Signature: J. Clésinger 1867 (cast into the base)
Foundry mark: MARNYHAC 1 RUE DE LA PAIX
Condition:
Very good antique condition with minor loss and age-appropriate toning to the silvered finish. The lapis base retains a fine polish with natural inclusions and crazing visible under close inspection.
Notes:
Miniature versions of The Owl and the Tortoise are seldom recorded. A period Parisian casting — likely produced for the luxury decorative arts market in the late 1860s.
