Click any image to enlarge
This is definitely a bronze piece. A magnet will NOT adhere to it. Upon tapping one of the Cherub's wings with a pencil eraser you hear a pleasant "ring", not a "thud". Also, when I first got it I noticed a minor abbrasion that revealed brass. You can see fingernails and the detail in the hair and wings is exquisite. This is definitely not a reproduction, or pot metal painted to look like bronze. I was told by the previous owner that he had purchased it at auction following the closing of The Kapok Tree Inn restaurant in Clearwater, FL. This was a Disney like restaurant which had very elaborate statues, fountains, etc.. It closed in mid 1980. The signature appears like a Auguste Rubin, yet the "R" is more closed like a "B". I was unable to find any info on the internet. I assume it may have been a custom piece. If not Auguste Rubin, then perhaps a lessor known sculptor? I'd like leads of how I can learn and establish more information about this piece.
Just above the signature which is on the rear of the base is the embossed number "32". I've no knowledge of what that may mean.
I'll put up additional closeup picture later.
Upgrade for PDF reports, more daily appraisals, and ad-free experience.
Re: Bronze Fountain of two Cherubs holding umbrella
It's a modern reproduction, most were made in Mexico and China. Very few of these predate the 1980's and comparable examples are still in production. What you paid is about what a comparable piece would go for at auction currently.
Re: Bronze Fountain of two Cherubs holding umbrella
I've not been able to find anything like this at all on the Internet. If like you say that comparable examples are still in production, where can I see this for myself? I'm not necessarily doubting your claim, yet how and where might I be able to substantiate what you said? I would not have expected the detail to be so good on a Mexican or Chinese reproduction and reproductions are usually in cheap pot metal. This is definitely NOT pot metal. Thanks.
Re: Bronze Fountain of two Cherubs holding umbrella
The Chinese reproductions are actually very good quality and bronze. Most of the ones currently retailing online are from China, but sold through American importers. Here is a link for you: https://www.bronze-sculpture.net/outdoor-water-fountains-garden-fountains.html
Re: Bronze Fountain of two Cherubs holding umbrella
Thank you! Just had an "aha!" moment. Would it be proper to say that though it is a "reproduction", yet not necessarily an inexpensive one? I also assume that there would be no telling who actually produced it? Is it conceivable that the signature was added later? Would the embossed #32 be a casting number of some sort?
I had read that reproductions generally had poor detail such as in malformed hands, etc.. That is why I initially thought this was not a reproduction.
Again, Thank You
Re: Bronze Fountain of two Cherubs holding umbrella
With reproductions it's always been a matter of what one was willing to pay, the lower the cost the lower the quality. I can order copies now of bronze Tiffany lamps that with a little dust and wear would fool most dealers, they can be that good.