Chasing Gold: The Glamour of 18th-Century Bronze Craft

11 products

11 products
Pair of Regency Pier / Console Tables - Nicholas Wells Antiques
Pair of Regency Pier / Console Tables - Nicholas Wells Antiques
Pair of Regency Pier / Console Tables
Pair of 19th-century Siberian amethyst urns with gilt bronze mounts by Collection CK20, Napoleon III style
Pair of 19th-century Siberian amethyst urns with gilt bronze mounts from Collection CK20, elegant Napoleon III design
Pair of Siberian Amethyst Urns
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Regency Rosewood Drum Table - Nicholas Wells Antiques
Regency Rosewood Drum Table - Nicholas Wells Antiques
Regency Rosewood Drum Table
Bronze Empire Column Lamps - Nicholas Wells Antiques
Bronze Empire Column Lamps - Nicholas Wells Antiques
Bronze Empire Column Lamps
George III turned Blue John urn with gilt bronze finial on marble base by Collection CK20
Close-up of a George III Blue John urn showing rich purple bands and texture from Collection CK20
George III Turned Blue John Urn
Pair Of Neo Egyptian Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks - Nicholas Wells Antiques
Pair Of Neo Egyptian Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks - Nicholas Wells Antiques
Pair Of Neo Egyptian Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks
Intricately carved 17th century Mughal cut-steel chape with foliate design, offered by Nwtiques.
Intricately carved 17th century Mughal cut-steel sword chape with floral design by Nwtiques
A fine carved cut-steel chape, Mughal India, 17th century
Rare 19th century Sèvres porcelain and ormolu mantel clock with floral panels by Nwtiques
Rare 19th century Sèvres Porcelain and ormolu mantel clock with floral panels by Nwtiques
Sèvres Porcelain Blue Celeste Ormolu Mounted Mantel Clock
£POA
Pair of 19th-century gilt bronze enamel drageoirs by F. Barbedienne, offered by Nwtiques.
Enamel Drageoirs by F. Barbedienne | Pair
£POA
Mother of pearl inlaid ebonised cabinet - Nicholas Wells Antiques
Mother of pearl inlaid ebonised cabinet - Nicholas Wells Antiques
Mother of pearl inlaid ebonised cabinet
£POA
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Grand Tour Breche Sanguine & Gilt Bronze Mounted Navicella - Nicholas Wells Antiques
Grand Tour Breche Sanguine & Gilt Bronze Mounted Navicella - Nicholas Wells Antiques
Grand Tour Breche Sanguine & Gilt Bronze Mounted Navicella
£POA

In the 18th century, chasing gilt bronze represented one of the highest expressions of decorative artistry in European craftsmanship. After casting, skilled ciseleurs meticulously refined every surface using specialised tools to sharpen details, articulate textures, and bring life to scrolling foliage, masks, figures, and rococo or neoclassical ornament. The chased bronze was then gilded—most commonly by mercury gilding—to achieve the deep, luminous gold finish so prized in French and English furniture, clocks, lighting, and mounted objects of the period. This demanding, labour-intensive process produced works of exceptional richness and clarity, and the finest examples—particularly those associated with Parisian bronziers such as Caffieri, Gouthière, and the ateliers supporting ebenistes like Riesener—are celebrated today for their incomparable refinement and technical brilliance.
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