Tripod Circular Coffee Table "Aux Coqs" in Bronze and Églomisé Mirror, May

This coffee table features a circular architectural structure resting on a heavy tripod base made of solid bronze. The precision of the assembly is overshadowed by a finely detailed animal ornamentation. The three curved legs are topped, directly beneath the tabletop, by intricately detailed rooster heads serving as supporting capitals. These supports culminate at the base with the classic motif of bird claws grasping spheres, ensuring the stability of the piece. The overall stability is further enhanced by a sinuous stretcher connecting to a central axis descending from the tabletop. The latter, encircled by a bronze ingot, holds a eglomisé mirror plate displaying a rich veined pattern (oxidised) in grey and copper tones. The virtuosity of the bronze casting and the ornamental repertoire (blending classical bestiary with a reinterpreted Empire style) undeniably mark a production from the Maison Charles. Founded in 1908 by Ernest Charles in Paris, the manufacture rose to the pinnacle of French art foundry in the 20th century. Renowned for the excellence of its bronze workers and chisellers, Maison Charles specialised in integrating animal motifs (horses, eagles, roosters, pine cones) into very high-end lighting and "flying furniture, " designed to furnish the private hotels of the upper bourgeoisie. Condition report: Very good overall condition. The solid bronze structure displays a natural and homogeneous patina of use, with discreet traces of oxidation in the crevices of the chiselling, ensuring its antiquity. The eglomisé mirror plate is intact. With a diameter of 70 cm, this sculptural table will assertively structure the centre of a classical or modernist living room.