A rare pair of Swedish painted terracotta faux gilt-bronze and bronze neo-classical vases and covers first quarter 19th century

each of ovoid form, the shallow inverted bell-shaped cover with a detachable flaming finial, the bodies with a band of paterae with three fluted cornucopiae with detachable flaming finials terminating in paw feet, the underside with a band of leaves, on a faux marble Spanish portor concave-sided triform base

Colour of green slightly darker and more golden and attractive than in the catalogue photograph. There is some surface dirt in the crevices of the finials, which can easily be cleaned. There are some miniscule chips and flaking to paint on the base, which are commensurate with age. Base of central finial on one has lost part of its stopper. A rare lot in overall good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Literature:
Hakan Groth, Neoclassicism in the North, Swedish Furniture and Interiors 1770-1850, London, 1990, p. 174, illustrated plate 167 in the Salon at Skottorp, Sweden.

These vases reflect the Swedish early 19th century taste for combining bronze and gilt-bronze which in this rare pair of vases is executed in terracotta. They are based upon French models and are very much in the goût grec style.

Skottorp has some of the best Empire interiors in Sweden  but the house itself dates from the late 17th century. It was built for the Royal Secretary Frans Joel Örnestedt (d. 1685) by Nicodemus Tessin the Elder based upon Vaux-le-Vicomte in France. When it was purchased by the Commercial Councillor Peter Möller (d. 1831) he commissioned Carl Fredrik Sundvall to remodel it completely which he undertook from 1816-28. 

All the elements in the Salon were designed by Sundvall, who was inspired by Italy in the late 18th century. He also worked for the Swedish King and the Salon at Skottorp is according to Groth ` probably the grandest Empire room to be found in any private house in Sweden'.

Carl Fredrik Sundvall (1754-1831):

He was one of the most outstanding Swedish Neo-classical architects in the late 18th century and became Court Intendant in 1792. He studied in France in 1783, Italy in 1788 and England in 1791 and returned to Sweden in 1792. Sundvall decorated the Royal Museum (1792-94) and designed vases for the Alvdalen porphyry works (1788-90).