1935 Bruxelles Exposition Universelle Belgian Silver Centerpiece by Altenloh

Our surtout-de-table in silver was designed by the architect, Henri Lacoste (1885-1968) and produced by Altenloh of Brussels for the 1935 Exposition Universelle in Brussels.  22 in (55.9 cm) tall.  It is designed as a cylindrical silver tower with falcon, rooster and ram heads carved from carnelian stone, mounted on a tiered marble base decorated with malachite and carved horse heads, and a circular base depicting representations of the exhibiting nations with their national capitals marked by semi-precious stones.  Roof of the tower inscribed "L'Exposition Universelle Et Internationale De Bruxelles 1935" and the side of the base inscribed "H. Lacoste del Altenloah Fab".

Provenance:  Christie's sale of Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Arts and Crafts, June 14, 1989, New York, lot 351.

Lacoste was one of the most succesful and influential Belgian architects of the twentieth century.  For the Universal Exposition in Brussels he designed the General Commissariat, the Pavilion of Catholic Life, the Galleries of Decorative Arts and several foreign pavilions including those of Greece and the Belgian Congo.

In good condition.  There is a restoration to one carnelian head, scratches and wear to the silver finish as particularly noticeable at sides of the base. 

Additional images forwarded upon request.