Mermaid. Barthelemy Prieur (Berzieux, 1536 - Paris, 1611) Attributed to the workshop, 16th-17th century. Bronze with a transparent reddish-gold patina and traces of dark patina.

17 x 15 x 6 cm

This beautiful oil lamp depicts a Nereid astride a dolphin, suspended from a ring. The wick protrudes from the dolphin's snout, and the mermaid's two fins are intertwined with the dolphin's tail.

This composition dates back to the inventory drawn up by his wife after Prieur's death. The type of woman follows the typical canons of the artist's bronzes.

The Brunswick example (Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum) is considered an autograph due to the freshness of the modeling. Prieur often supervised all stages of the casting process, so the suggestion of an autograph is reasonable.

Our lamp is truly very similar to that one, if we compare the modeling and the type of transparent reddish patina. It is prudently attributed to the workshop of the great sculptor.

A collector's item that deserves further study. Prieur's bronzes often command top-of-the-line prices on the international market.

Bibliography:
Voler Khran, Von Allen Seiten Schon, Volker Huber Editore, Offenbach, 1995, entry n.137.