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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: maa1247 on September 09, 2017, 09:28:43 AM

Title: Old Bronze Plate - Nymph?
Post by: maa1247 on September 09, 2017, 09:28:43 AM
Hello, I have sent several items to this forum because I value your expertise in vintage and antique items.  I hope I'm not a pest because I know your time is valuable and should not be wasted.  You all have been gracious to respond to my inquiries and I really appreciate it.  Please know that I have researched before posting to this site and when I am stumpted I send it to the experts.
I purchased from an estate sale and unique bronze (I think) plate that sits on 4 round feet.  It appears to be nymphs faces - with fruit and leaves all around.  The plate measures 9 1/2" horizontally and 10" vertically and stands 2" high.  There is lots of patina and there are no marks on this piece.  I have seen some bronze and brass plates that have nude women or cherubs, but nothing like this piece.  I would appreciate any help you can give me in identifying this item.  Thanks again for all your help.  The last picture is a closer-up view of the plate.
Mickie
Title: Re: Old Bronze Plate - Nymph?
Post by: KC on September 09, 2017, 01:58:33 PM
Reminds me of some made in (and in style of) art nouveau.  Looking...
Title: Re: Old Bronze Plate - Nymph?
Post by: mart on September 09, 2017, 07:01:07 PM
I agree with KC !!  Art Nouveau period but looks like brass rather than bronze !! But that would depend on the formula used !!
You are never a pest !!  We enjoy the unique items you find !!  Please post anything you need help with !!  We may not know what it is but we can help you research it !!  I would say these figures are lovers rather than nymphs !!
Title: Re: Old Bronze Plate - Nymph?
Post by: maa1247 on September 09, 2017, 07:39:11 PM
Thank you guys so much.  The reason I though Bronze over brass was that this piece weighs almost 3 lbs.  I felt that a bit heavy for brass - could be wrong.  What are your thoughts on trying to clean the piece or leave it alone with the aging patina?  Thanks again
Title: Re: Old Bronze Plate - Nymph?
Post by: ghopper1924 on September 10, 2017, 01:41:48 AM
I would leave it alone.

It looks like 2 figures from a bacchanal; a woman - or perhaps a nymph - and Pan with grapes in his hair, playing his pipes.
Title: Re: Old Bronze Plate - Nymph?
Post by: maa1247 on September 10, 2017, 10:50:36 AM
I appreciate your responses.
Mickie
Title: Re: Old Bronze Plate - Nymph?
Post by: KC on September 10, 2017, 01:05:45 PM
LEAVE IT ALONE!!!  Natural patina is a highly prized thing!!!
Title: Re: Old Bronze Plate - Nymph?
Post by: mart on September 10, 2017, 01:31:42 PM
I would leave it alone.

It looks like 2 figures from a bacchanal; a woman - or perhaps a nymph - and Pan with grapes in his hair, playing his pipes.

 ;D   Nope !!  Gotta be lovers,,look at that smile on the womans face !! 
Title: Re: Old Bronze Plate - Nymph?
Post by: Pelady on September 10, 2017, 02:11:02 PM
Hmmm,

I think Pan is correct.  You can easily see pipes.
"In Greek religion and mythology, Pan is the god of the wild, shepherds and flocks, nature of mountain wilds and rustic music, and companion of the nymphs"

"One of the famous myths of Pan involves the origin of his pan flute, fashioned from lengths of hollow reed. Syrinx was a lovely wood-nymph of Arcadia, daughter of Landon, the river-god. As she was returning from the hunt one day, Pan met her. To escape from his importunities, the fair nymph ran away and didn't stop to hear his compliments. He pursued from Mount Lycaeum until she came to her sisters who immediately changed her into a reed. When the air blew through the reeds, it produced a plaintive melody. The god, still infatuated, took some of the reeds, because he could not identify which reed she became, and cut seven pieces (or according to some versions, nine), joined them side by side in gradually decreasing lengths, and formed the musical instrument bearing the name of his beloved Syrinx. Henceforth Pan was seldom seen without it."

 Therefore, yes to Pan, yes to Nymphs, and yes to Lovers!

PeLady
Title: Re: Old Bronze Plate - Nymph?
Post by: KC on September 10, 2017, 02:11:40 PM
She might be giggling because he can't play that flute worth a darn!  LOLOL

I believe that is a Pan Flute.
Title: Re: Old Bronze Plate - Nymph?
Post by: ghopper1924 on September 10, 2017, 03:07:36 PM
Well, I believe the whole point of a bacchanal was getting drunk, letting go, and....er......all of the above.
Title: Re: Old Bronze Plate - Nymph?
Post by: mart on September 10, 2017, 07:36:36 PM
Ahh  Ha  !!  A little too much vino !!  That explains it !!   :)
Title: Re: Old Bronze Plate - Nymph?
Post by: maa1247 on September 10, 2017, 09:15:29 PM
Thanks again - you guys are a hoot!
Title: Re: Old Bronze Plate - Nymph?
Post by: KC on September 10, 2017, 11:10:58 PM
This could be a calling card tray.  Size is about right!
Title: Re: Old Bronze Plate - Nymph?
Post by: mart on September 11, 2017, 05:37:24 AM
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/bronze-dish

Joking aside now !!  I think its a candy or Bon Bon dish !!  There are several on ebay with similar classical themes !!  Gorham made some similar but theirs are marked,,others are unmarked !!  Look around the edge for a name !!