3-012-032 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Exhibition: plateau and candelabra by Messrs. Christofle, of Paris, 1862. '...no less than ten artists seem to have been engaged on this work. It is, in the first place, executed after the programme of Baron Hauffmann, Prefect of the Seine, and the sculpture has been executed, under the direction of M. Batlard, architect, Inspector of Fine Arts, by MM. Diebolt, Thomas Maillet, Gumery, Mathurin-Moreau, Rouillard, Capy, and M. Auguste Madroux, ornamental modeller. The whole was placed on plate glass, surrounded by a frieze of gold of different colours. In the centre is a ship, emblematical of the arms of the City of Paris; on her deck a statue, symbolical of Paris; and, supported by four caryatides, Science, Art, Industry, and Commerce. At the bow of the ship is an eagle, which guides her to her destiny, whilst the Genius of Progress lights her course; and at the helm is Prudence, whilst around are groups of mermaids and tritons...The four candelabra will unite the principal parts of the design, which in the great hall of the Hotel de Ville, surrounded by flowers and appropriate decorations, will certainly have a very imposing appearance'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.