19th Century Neoclassical Bronze Dore Urn Signed F. Levillain

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19th century neoclassical signed bronze doré urn with handles and adorned with elaborate roman scenes. Signed stamped F. Levillain. Ferdinand … Read more 19th century neoclassical signed bronze doré urn with handles and adorned with elaborate roman scenes. Signed stamped F. Levillain. Ferdinand Levillain (Paris, 1837-1905) studied under the sculptor Jouffroy (1806-1882), before making his debut in 1861 at the French artist’s salon where he continued to exhibit until 1903. At the 1867 universal exhibition in Paris, he was praised for a neo-Greek style bronze cup he made for the firm blot and drouard. He was not to become really famous, however, until 1871 thanks to his association with the great bronze founder Ferdinand Barbedienne, who began to exhibit neo-Greek style lamps, cups, vases and candelabras on his stands. Levillain was overwhelmingly triumphant at the 1878 universal exhibition in Paris, where he was unanimously awarded the gold medal for his creations in the classical style. The famous bronze caster servant, 1828-circa 1890 declared in the report of the jury for artistic bronzes that the work of levillain chased like the finest jewels and so diverse and pure of form are of the highest degree of perfection. After receiving a first class medal at the 1884 salon for a cup entitled the elements, the months and the seasons, he went on to win a silver medal at the 1889 universal exhibition in Paris. See less