Research
Of giltwood and tôle. Each trophy with central slanted oval portrait medallion in a decorative frame set on a trophy, the allegory of Autumn composed of grapes, vegetables and hunting rifle, the allegory of Winter composed of bare branches, holly and flaming urn. Each suspended on a tôle hanging ribbon. Some repairs and old replacements to carving. Old regilding. Perhaps once fitted with a candle sconce.

Marks:
Old label on Autumn : “P.67. Set of …. Giltwood Wall Plaques The Seasons…4,000.”
Same label but illegible on Winter as well as pencil note “Left Hand Near Fire Place”

Provenance:
Sotheby’s New York, 31 March 1990, Lot 56

These magnificent sculpted trophies, representing Autumn and Winter, form part of a set of the Four Seasons, the other two of which, i.e Spring and Summer, were previously in the Carlton Hobbs collection (No. 9189). Interestingly, all four bear old labels, some still legible, inscribed in ink: “P.67. Set of …. Giltwood Wall Plaques The Seasons…4,000.”

These pieces closely follow the various designs for trophies produced by the celebrated French architect, decorator and professor of design Jean Charles Delafosse (1731-1792).

Research report available on request.