Offered is a rare ca. 1800, gilt bronze, or ormolu figurine of a dancing satyr or faun. A popular motif of that era. It's finely cast in bronze, with a factory applied ormolu finish which has worn on the high spots from handling. Ormolu was a gold & mercury mixture applied onto a mercuric nitrate that coated the base metal. When heated, the mercury evaporated leaving only the gold. It was very popular during the French Empire period at the turn of the 19th century. By the mid 19th century, mercury was deemed to be an unacceptable health risk, which eventually ended the production of ormolu. Versions made since that time are more likely to be from the electroplating of gold onto nickel. The figure is secured to the base with bronze wedges, driven into the feet from below, like an axe head. It was then ground flat. This is totally hand made, & a genuine Grand Tour period piece. Fine detail throughout, from the tiny fingers, to the hair. 3 5/8" tall x 2" wide. Doubt you'll find another quite like it for sale anywhere! Small piece with a big punch!

I've been buying & selling here for over 20 years. Most of my items have been off the market, from estates, or in collections for decades. They are guaranteed to be as described, and are often OOAK, especially as far as availability on eBay.