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Antique Art Nouveau French Bronze Gilt Thistle Letter Opener Albert Marionnete

$649.63
£481.11
€550VAT Included
CA$904.01
A$909.78
CHF 528.03
MX$11,048.03
NOK 6,065.40
SEK 6,260.66
DKK 4,193.64

About the Item

Antique Art Nouveau French Bronze Gilt Thistle Letter Opener Albert Marionnet France Bronze c. 1900 Dimensions: Length 31.5cm Of notably large size, this letter opener is attributed to Albert Marionnet (1852–1910), a renowned French bronze artist, sculptor, and founder active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was highly regarded for producing naturalistic Art Nouveau decorative objects, including desk accessories such as this example. The handle is rectangular in form and richly decorated with swirling branches and leaves that culminate in a prominent thistle bud. Thistles traditionally symbolize resilience, protection, and the ability to thrive in harsh conditions, making them an appealing motif for artists drawn to expressive natural forms. In Art Nouveau, their spiked silhouettes and dramatic curves align perfectly with the movement’s emphasis on stylized botanicals and dynamic, organic lines. They often suggest a subtle tension between beauty and danger, reflecting the era’s fascination with nature’s dualities. These symbolic qualities also resonate with the function of the object itself: the handle, more delicate and intended to be held, contrasts with the blade, which serves a sharper, more forceful purpose. This interplay mirrors the balance between refinement and intensity found in the design. The piece is signed “A. Marionnet” to the front. Created by a respected French maker, this letter opener is not only rich in symbolism but also a striking addition to any collection or interior setting.
  • Creator:
    Albert Marionnet (Artist)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 12.41 in (31.5 cm)Width: 1.58 in (4 cm)Depth: 1.97 in (5 cm)
  • Style:
    Art Nouveau (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Ormolu,Cast,Gilt
  • Place of Origin:
    France
  • Period:
    Early 20th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    c. 1900
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Beautiful and authentic, cleaned condition with slight signs of wear typical for its age.
  • Seller Location:
    Greven, DE
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5419249380652

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