An esteemed producer of bronze for many of Paris’s prestigious cabinetmakers during the late 19th century, Maison Mottheau et Fils is also renowned for elaborate furniture designs that combine function and decoration.
Throughout the late 1800s, Maison Mottheau et Fils designed and produced decorative gilt-bronze objets d’art and furniture, including ormolu-mounted tea tables and ornate Neoclassical-style clocks. However, the company was mostly known for its lines of exquisite Louis XVI wall lights, chandeliers, candelabras and lanterns. With the introduction of electricity in the 1890s, Maison Mottheau et Fils incorporated the new technology into its lighting fixtures, and the company flourished.
Maison Mottheau et Fils was inspired by famed bronzier Pierre Gouthière (1740–1806) in many of its designs; it also collaborated with several well-known French sculptors. Among them was Frédéric-Eugène Piat (1827–1903), who designed an onyx and gilt-bronze torchère lumineuse for the company that was shown at the 1900 Paris Exposition. Maison Mottheau et Fils’s display also featured a pair of large Napoleon III gilt-bronze candelabras, each lit by ten electric lights.
The company’s electrical lighting exhibit garnered critical acclaim, prompting the Art Journal to write in 1900 that the “French Section shows many examples of fine work applied under the new conditions, but we doubt if a more complete success is to be recorded to the credit of any exhibitor that can be conceded to Messieurs Mottheau et Fils.”
Today, pieces by Maison Mottheau et Fils continue to be highly sought by collectors of late 19th-century furniture.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique Maison Mottheau et Fils lighting, decorative objects and other furniture and collectibles.
Pair 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Marble Neoclassical Urn Garnitures
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 19th-Century French Neoclassical garniture featuring gilt bronze lidded urns on marble bases.
Marble, Bronze
Pair of 18th Century Italian Giltwood Urn Ornaments
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful pair of three dimensional detailed 18th century giltwood urn ornaments. Original period pieces, Italy, circa 1750.
Giltwood
Vintage Pair Large Faux Painted Campana Urns
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage pair of large faux painted urns composed of carved wood.
Wood
Pair 18th Century Italian Urn Appliques
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 18th-Century Italian urn appliques featuring a flute body, and intricately carved acanthus leaves, bead trim, and ribbon adorned handles.
Giltwood
Pair 19th Century French Cast Iron Jardinieres
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 19th Century French cast iron jardinieres with handles.
Iron
Pair 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Chenets
Located in Houston, TX
A highly stylized pair of 19th Century Louis XVI style gilt bronze chenets featuring torchier, arrow quivers, and rose garlands.
Bronze
Pair of 19 Century French Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronzed Mounted Marble Urns
Located in New York, NY
Pair of large and very fine quality 19 century French Louis XVI style gilt bronzed mounted cherub motif Marble Urns.
Marble, Bronze
Pair of Continental Gilt Bronze-Mounted Marble Urns
Located in Dallas, TX
This is a beautiful pair of Continental Gilt-Bronze Mounted Breche Violette Marble urns.
Marble, Bronze
Pair Early 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Alabastro Fiorito Lidded Vases
Located in London, by appointment only
Rare Pair Early 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Alabastro Fiorito Lidded Vases. These fabulous masterpieces are designed and made in the most exquisite form, the superbly cast & cha...
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Gilt Bronze Two Handled Covered Urns on Marble Bases, French, circa 1890
Located in New York, NY
Pair of gilt bronze two handled covered urns on marble bases, French, circa 1890.
Bronze
Pair French 19th C. Gilt-Bronze & Marble Urns, After Pierre Gouthière - Belanger
By Pierre Gouthiere
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Very Fine Pair of French 19th Century Gilt-Bronze and Veined-Green Greek Marble Pair of Royal Urns, after the model by Pierre Gouthière (French, 1732-1813) and a design by François...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ormolu, Silvered Bronze & Marble Urns
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most impressive pair of French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu, silvered bronze and Rouge Griotte marble lidded urns. Each urn is raised by an elegant square Rouge Griotte marble...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
