A pair of very handsome and large scale 19th century cast iron Egyptian revival st. Porteurs d'Eau Nubians electrified torchières signed Durenne, Paris. Each is raised on a polychrome pedestal with mottled base and a giltwood and polychrome designed support.... — Read More

A pair of very handsome and large scale 19th century cast iron Egyptian revival st. Porteurs d'Eau Nubians electrified torchières signed Durenne, Paris. Each is raised on a polychrome pedestal with mottled base and a giltwood and polychrome designed support. Each cast iron figure in classical Egyptian dress holds a water jug on his shoulder with a crystal flame above. Also pictured is the original 19th century ad copy of The Firm Durenne, Paris. Antoine Durenne (1822 - 1895) Was an internationally renowned French art founder. He attended l'École des Beaux-Arts in 1842. Durenne purchased a small foundry in Sommevoire, near the Val d'Osne , Haute-Marne, France, and established The Durenne firm. By the 1860s, numerous examples of high quality bas-reliefs, fountains, statues and vases were being produced and the firm began exhibiting at various exhibitions, including the 1862 and 1867 International Exhibitions in Paris. Antoine Durenne was a founding member of the L'Ecole Nationale des Arts Décoratifs. In 1888 the foundry acquired the address of S.A.d.F. du Val d'Osne, 26 Rue du Faubourg Poissonniere, Paris. — Read Less