Musician Profiles

Two profiles of male heads, I think Mozart and Beethoven from the second half of the 19th century. They are both made of hardened wood. Good general condition, slight wear very acceptable. Rear brass suspension ring on the back of each subject. The hardened wood is made from rosewood sawdust and ox blood, one of the components of which serves as a binder. The mixture is thus molded by hot pressure in a die to form small objects formerly called "articles of Paris". This reconstituted wood of black and matte color, or brown has a very high density and is resistant to the action of boiling water. Among the hardened wooden objects, we find medallions with drawings or portraits in relief, pen cases, paperweights, inkwells, frames, boxes, mourning jewellery, etc. This technique allows a production at low cost which will have a great success during the second half of the 19th century, especially under Napoleon III. It advantageously replaces jet or black onyx popular at that time. Note: beautiful patina which gives the effect of ebony. Delivery: €10 for metropolitan France.