Utterly Disarming. . .

This charming sculpture depicts Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, about to break the bow of her son, Cupid, across her knee, while the winged boy pleads with his mother to stop. 

Cupid was god of desire and whomever he struck with one of his arrows, whether mortal or deity, was seized with overwhelming passion and desire. The image of Venus disarming Cupid by breaking or taking away his bow was a popular scene in classical art and is drawn from Metamorphoses, the most famous work by the ancient Roman poet Ovid. In the poem, Cupid accidentally scratches Venus with one of his arrows. This results Venus falling madly in love with the mortal hunter, Adonis. After Adonis dies in a hunting accident, Venus punishes Cupid for exposing her to the torments of love by taking away his bow.

Of heavy metal with a golden bronze tone, this antique statue is superbly sculpted and cast.

 

The base has the partial signature of "Duchoiselle," a French sculptor active from 1840 through 1890. Though little is known of his life, he created a wide variety of sculptures in bronze, ranging from classical and historic subjects to detailed depictions of Native Americans. He also credited with ceiling reliefs for the Louvre and the Paris Opéra.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

1677-1585

Tantalizing Tantalus

This extraordinary antique liquor or wine caddy is also known as a tantalus. In Greek mythology, Tantalus was an evil king who was punished by the gods by being forced to stand for eternity in a pool of water beneath the boughs of a tree laden with ripe fruit; however, if he bent down to drink, the water sank beneath the ground, and if he reached up to pluck a piece of fruit, the boughs lifted just out of his reach. The word "tantalize" is derived from this legend. The liquor tantalus got its name because originally there was a bar to lock the decanters in place, keeping thirsty servants and children from helping themselves to its tantalizing contents. However, the term came to be applied to any sort of liquor caddy or decanter stand that offered a variety of libations. This superb example features four graceful glass decanters set into an elaborate silver plated frame with a handy center handle. This lovely liquor caddy is just want one needs to get into the holiday spirit (and spirits) in grand style.

The decanters are each etched with a delicate design.

Underneath, this stunning decanter stand is stamped with the anchor mark and initials "A." and "F" of the French manufacturer Armand Frenais. Founded in 1877, this company was a rival of the famed Christofle company. Frenais produced high-quality sterling and silver plate flatware, tableware, and decorative items with elegant designs that reflected the tastes of the time. Their products were highly sought after during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Frenais closed in 1927.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

8096-418

 

March of the Toy Soldiers

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker, which premiered in 1892, is a beloved Christmas tradition. The ballet includes the iconic March of the Toy Soldiers and the images of toy soldiers in brightly colored uniforms are now indelibly associated with the season. Just in time for the holidays, our  trove has battalions of beautiful vintage toy soldiers in their original boxes. 

 Each box carries the label "Soldat de Plomb historique," which translates as "historical lead soldier." The box promises the contents will "instruire en amusant" (will instruct while having fun). These amazing armies are attributed to the French maker Mignot, which was founded in Paris in 1825. Initially, the company produced trinkets and children's toys, but in 1838 began to produce toy soldiers. The company gained renown for its detailed and finely crafted lead soldiers and is still in production under the name CBG Mignot. These sets are believed to date from the 1930s.

The sets include everything from foot soldiers to mounted military men to colorful standard-bearers.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

 13981-12 to 18