Jules BRATEAU (1844-1923). - Lot 258

Jules BRATEAU (1844-1923). Pair of small, finely chased pewter soup plates with allegorical decor of the Four Elements and the Four Seasons. The wings hold respectively Water, Earth, Air and Fire, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter among foliage and a Renaissance-inspired decorative repertoire. The basin is plain. Signed "Jules BRATEAU" above the Earth allegory's knee and above the Winter allegory's left arm, and "au Gibet" on the reverse. Renaissance style, late 19th century. H. 2 cm. Diameter: 19 cm. (patina wear on one basin and slight wear on the other). Note: Sculptor, goldsmith, jeweler and pewter potter Jules BRATEAU was awarded a gold medal at the 1889 Universal Exhibition. He was praised for his taste for ornamentation and the reasoned protrusions of his reliefs. Inspired by the French Renaissance, these models were created in 1880. Named Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur in 1894, and a member of the jury at the 1900 Universal Exhibition, Jules BRATEAU was recognized by his peers as the master who brought about the renaissance of pewter art in France.