Antique Art Nouveau Metal Jardinière Planter Centerpiece, Cupid & Berry Vining Motif, Signed De Meyer, Removable Liner Included

In the Art Nouveau style of the 19th and early 20th Century, this is an outstanding oval bronze colored cupid design centerpiece jardeniere with double scrolled handles and berries and vines. It is striking when placed at the center of the table or on the side table at any season.

It can stand alone or showcase flowers, fall leaves and gourds or Christmas ornaments and greens. There is a signature incised into the casting which is hard to read but looks to be de.Meyer followed by a small decorative flourish or symbol which may be a C or sc.

The trailing abbreviation may stand for sculpsit which is Latin for “he sculpted it.” This may indicate the piece was cast or sculpted by a member of the de Meyer artistic family or a craftsman specializing in chasing and engraving.

A plausible match for this signature style from the late 19th to early 20th century is the Belgian sculptor Richard Demeyer (often stylized or signed as "Rich. De Meyer sc." or "De Meyer"). The signature is incised directly into the mold before casting, rather than stamped afterward.

This is typical for French and Germanic decorative spelter and bronze art objects from the Belle Époque era. Finding a signature built directly into the metal wall validates that this is a period-accurate production from an established commercial foundry or artist studio.

This cursive handwriting script style points strongly to a French, Swiss, or German foundry origin. The outer housing of the planter is metal, most possibly cast spelter, with an attractive bronze painted finish. It features angel or cupid figures, accented with stylized vines, leaves, berries and acorns.

The liner appears to be tin and looks like it may have been formed and soldered by hand. The piece is quite heavy at about 11 pounds. Dimensions: Height: 8 in Length: 18 in Width: 13 in