Cast in the 1800s by the well-known French iron foundry, La Fonderie de Tusey, this painted iron gate is comprised of an intricate network of flowers, scrolls, and architecture dotted with mythological figures and mascarons. Detailing can be seen on both sides, with the only derivation being the foundry stamp on one side is painted blue, while the verso side has the same dark gray finish seen on all other elements.
Surrounded by a ¾-inch thick rectangular border, the detailed web of motifs is centered around a crenelated medallion of a woman with a loose-fitting gown holding a tympanum (tambourine) and a leashed dog. Two putti cling to grapevines that flank the central medallion, while a pair of mythical creatures at the top of the gate are wrapped around a column that extends from an acanthus cup above each putto’s head. The dragon-like figures are perched upon a curled leaf that extends from the base of a tall urn of flowers situated above a mascaron that tops the medallion. Other elements include an additional (and distinct) mascaron beneath the medallion, drapery, crinkled ribbon, and S-shaped caryatids with volute tails terminating in lion mascarons. Above the lions is the foundry mark Fonderie de Tusey, which is set inside of an oval with crenellation.
Created in 1832 by Pierre Adolphe Muel, from a family of ironmasters from the Vosges, the foundries of Tusey were oriented, from the outset, towards the manufacture of artistic objects in cast iron. Our French cast iron painted gate from La Fonderie de Tusey is a fabulous example of Bacchanalian/mythological imagery. Despite the orderly display of figures and architecture, you will most likely find a new detail upon every subsequent viewing. It would make a fantastic interior gate to a wine cellar or bar area, or placed outside as an entrance to a courtyard or side yard.
CONDITION: Good antique condition , traces of old restoration work with a small missing element near the top. Minor buildup and oxidation have given the dark gray finish areas with green and brown patination. Traces of red paint along the border from a previous installation.
