A pair of Empire gilt bronze large ewers

A pair of Empire gilt bronze large ewers – circa 1805

Height: 63 cm. (25 in.)    Width: 32.5 cm. (12 ¾ in.)    Depth: 14 cm. (5 ½ in.)

Each ewer is of impressive proportions and is surmounted by the winged figure of Fame seated atop the scrolling handle. The spout is in the form of a leopard’s head and the body applied with relief female figures and dolphins alternating with palmettes. The circular socle is held aloft on the back of two kneeling winged putti astride an oblong plinth decorated with tassels and resting on six bun feet.

Comparative Literature :

An identical ewer was part of the collection of Arnold Seligmann sold Galerie Georges Petit, Paris, 12 March 1914, lot 305.

A closely related pair and vase with many similar motifs in Schloss Ludwigsburg are attributed to Claude Galle and illustrated in H. Ottomeyer & P. Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, vol. I, Munich, 1986, p. 365, figs. 5.12.9 and 5.12.11.