Garden bench, one of two

Date1830-1857

Maker J.J. Ducel et Fils

MediumCast iron

DimensionsOH: 30"; OW: 62 1/4"; OD 18 3/4"

Credit LineGift of the John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, Fund, Inc., through the generosity and interest of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, and members of the family.

Object number1996.BH.686,2

DescriptionLouis Philippe green cast iron rectangular garden bench with "gothic" back. Quatrefoils and arches across the back, apron with smaller quatrefoils across it. Arms with gothic arches as well. One of a pair.Label TextCast in Pocé, France by the foundry J.J. Ducel et Fils, the benches are marked with the firm's warehouse address in Paris. Critics at the 1867 Paris Exposition Universelle remarked that "Ducel is the great manufacturer of works in cast-iron, to whom Paris is so largely indebted for the grace and elegance that supply so many of the adornments of its streets." The bench appears in an 1830-1840 catalogue of the company's work on p.42, item 1774 "Banc-de-Jardin." (Metropolotian Museum of Art #49.67.1)Mark(s)Along lower front apron rail: "DUCEL FILS RUE DES 4 FILS No [22] A PARIS FECIT" A number of legs have Roman numeral-esque marks on them.ProvenancePurchased from Nancy McClelland, Inc., 15 East 57th st., NYC in 1937.