Pair of French Bronze Antique Mythological Amphora Garnitures Ca. 1880

Description

PAIR OF BAS-RELIEF MYTHOLOGICAL AMPHORA GARNITURES RAISED ON ROUGE MARBLE BASES
Attributed to Ferdinand Levillain and Ferdinand Barbedienne | unmarked … more PAIR OF BAS-RELIEF MYTHOLOGICAL AMPHORA GARNITURES RAISED ON ROUGE MARBLE BASES
Attributed to Ferdinand Levillain and Ferdinand Barbedienne | unmarked | executed circa 1880
Item # 604VBP23P

A beautiful pair of garnitures from the fourth quarter of the 19th century, they are vasiform with amphora raised by tripart legs over a triangular Rosso Levanto marble base finished with a bronze rim with chamfered edge. The amphora were almost certainly designed by Ferdinand Levillain during his time as a designer for Maison Barbedienne, though they are not marked by either designer or founder. The bodies of the amphora feature the same mythological scenes on each, the front with a heroic figure raising his spear to heaven while dismounted from his winged horse while on the back a helmeted figure raises his shield to protect his face while he lowers his spear towards the earth.

A clever design, the top is made such that a candlestick can be attached by the foundry at the request of the client [and we have seen examples of this amphora with candle wells and candle sticks added, presumably by the foundry at the time of sale]. It also makes the pair an easy target for conversion into table lamps, though fortunately that has not been attempted with the present pair and they remain in their perfectly original state.

A positively gorgeous pair with so many useful places - ideally these would have been placed on the fireplace mantel on either side of a great painting or sculptural centerpiece. But they also work beautifully on sideboards, consoles or any other space where some symmetry, texture and great storytelling are a must.


Measurements: 12 1/2" H x 5 3/8" D x 6 1/4" W

Condition Report:
Old restored crack in the marble base of one; rubbing wear and discoloration to patina throughout from gentle handling and time; carefully cleaned and sealed, a fine glowing presentation. less