Rare Letu & Mauger Paris large romantic biscuit porcelain figures pair c1860s
£1,360.00
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A monumental pair of French biscuit porcelain figures by Letu & Mauger of Paris, dating to the 1860s and representing the firm's more ambitious decorative production. At approximately 40 cm high and over 2 kg each, these are not ordinary mantel ornaments but impressive salon figures created for affluent interiors, combining substantial scale with strong theatrical presence.
The pair depicts a gallant and a young lady in stylised 18th-century costume, forming a romantic Rococo Revival genre scene. The gentleman's sealed letter suggests courtship or formal declaration, while the lady's poised elegance completes the narrative. Together they reinterpret aristocratic refinement through the decorative historicism so admired in 19th-century French interiors.
Letu & Mauger became known for biscuit and parian-type porcelain figures, from religious works to romantic genre subjects and larger decorative pieces. The impressed L & M marks with moulded model numbers confirm authentic factory production. This pair belongs to the more ambitious side of their output, where scale and visual impact were especially valued.
Executed in polychrome porcelain with restrained gilding and a bisque-like matt surface, the figures stand on naturalistic bases above separate black plinths with gilt ornament. Their impressive dimensions, heavy construction and companion model numbering place them well above more common small decorative porcelain.
Dimensions:
Male figure:
Weight: 2,263 g
Height: 39.5 cm
Base diameter: 16 cm
Female figure:
Weight: 2,430 g
Height: 40 cm
Base diameter: 16 cm
Condition:
The male figure has a small chip under the coat near the pocket area, several minor firing cracks consistent with manufacture and age, and two feet on the base have been reattached. The female figure has several small firing cracks and has lost what was likely a small feather or similar ornament from the hat, which does not significantly affect display. Both figures remain in excellent antique condition overall. Due to their substantial size and weight, they will be shipped in two separate boxes for safe delivery, which will affect shipping cost.
Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.
Rare Letu & Mauger Paris large romantic biscuit porcelain figures pair c1860s
£1,360.00
The pair depicts a gallant and a young lady in stylised 18th-century costume, forming a romantic Rococo Revival genre scene. The gentleman's sealed letter suggests courtship or formal declaration, while the lady's poised elegance completes the narrative. Together they reinterpret aristocratic refinement through the decorative historicism so admired in 19th-century French interiors.
Letu & Mauger became known for biscuit and parian-type porcelain figures, from religious works to romantic genre subjects and larger decorative pieces. The impressed L & M marks with moulded model numbers confirm authentic factory production. This pair belongs to the more ambitious side of their output, where scale and visual impact were especially valued.
Executed in polychrome porcelain with restrained gilding and a bisque-like matt surface, the figures stand on naturalistic bases above separate black plinths with gilt ornament. Their impressive dimensions, heavy construction and companion model numbering place them well above more common small decorative porcelain.
Dimensions:
Male figure:
Weight: 2,263 g
Height: 39.5 cm
Base diameter: 16 cm
Female figure:
Weight: 2,430 g
Height: 40 cm
Base diameter: 16 cm
Condition:
The male figure has a small chip under the coat near the pocket area, several minor firing cracks consistent with manufacture and age, and two feet on the base have been reattached. The female figure has several small firing cracks and has lost what was likely a small feather or similar ornament from the hat, which does not significantly affect display. Both figures remain in excellent antique condition overall. Due to their substantial size and weight, they will be shipped in two separate boxes for safe delivery, which will affect shipping cost.
Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.