C1910 Gilt Bronze Plaque For US Ambassador Robert Bacon. Charles Gantrago Mercie

Description: For sale is a gorgeous gold gilded sculpted cast bronze plaque by the Spanish French artist Charles Gantrago Mercie who flourished around the later 19th century through early 20th century. Charles Gantrago Mercie was born in Madrid and later moved to Paris, where he exhibited figures and portraits at the Salon from 1881 onwards. This item was acquired from a sale which contained several other items from a private New York City estate. That estate had several items from American embassies and consulates. The bronze is circa 1910 in age. There is a dedication on the bottom for a Mr. Bacon. We believe this to be for US Secretary of State (1909) and US Ambassador to France (1909 - 1912) Robert Bacon (1860 – 1919). Another edition of this plaque was presented to US Senator William A Clark Sr. (1839 - 1925). That one sold through Christie’s Auction House in 2014 at the sale of Senator Clark’s estate. (See pictures) We think Senator W A Clark may have commissioned these from the artist as he was in Paris France in 1906 for the birth of his daughter Huguette Clark. But we are uncertain. Only two of these plaques have passed through public sales that we could find. The gilding is excellent with good gold luster. We have added pictures in varying light. The plaque depicts, a scene that we believe probably has some deeper understanding, but we are unsure of what it is. It seems to show a mother and a father, grieving with one child in the mothers lap while being consoled by a woman of the clergy, noted by the cross on her frock. The ornate architecture of possibly a cathedral or church is seen in the upper left corner. It appears the subject matter would be very important to whoever commissioned these pieces, and for whom they were given to. But we can only speculate the meaning. Perhaps the death of one of their children or family members. But again only speculating. The plaque is signed Mercie lower right. No foundry marks found but probably cast at the Siot Paris foundry where Mercie cast most of his bronze sculptures. Good condition, the very bottom edge having remnants of possibly an old adhesive (see pic). Measurements: 6 5/8” tall x 4 1/2” wide (Appox 1/8” thick)

Price: 1500 USD

Location: Kingston, New York

End Time: 2025-01-26T18:01:55.000Z

Shipping Cost: 14.5 USD