A pair of Russian gilt-bronze and bronze ewers 19th century,

in the manner of Friedrich Bergenfeldt, of tapering baluster form, the scrolled handle cast with a hippocamp, the spout with a bearded male mask, the body with two swans flanking a fountain, the lower section with two lionesses enclosed by vine leaves and grapes, the rectangular base cast with a recumbent ram, on paw feet 

In overall good conserved condition. Gilding less greenish more natural and attractive than in the catalogue photograph.One hippocamp has been resoldered where the gilding is of a slightly pinkish colour than the rest and there is an old restored break in the tail. Some very minor rubbing and pitting especially to the bases. There is a very small dark stain to the top of two paw feet on one which can easily be removed.
"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."

This pair of ewers with their elongated  slender spout and handle cast with a hippocamp are inspired by the oeuvre of Claude Galle (1759-1815), the celebrated Parisian bronzier of the late 18th and early 19th century. However, the treatment of the gilt-bronze on the offered pair would seem to indicate a Russian rather than French production and the Russian bronzier Bergenfeldt appears to have been strongly influenced by Galle's work and produced vases and objects with aquatic themes in the style of Galle which featured swans, mermaids and fountains as on the offered pair.