A patinated bronze two-handled urn, cast after the model by Claude Ballin in Louis XIV style, second half 19th century

with inverted baluster body cast with bands of Greek key, oak leaf and acorn, foliate and scallop ornament, the handles surmounted by Janus heads and terminating in boar masks, on square red variegated marble plinth

In overall good condition with some minor dents, marks, srcratches and wear to the patination. Minor surface dirt. The separate marble base with minor frits. With earthenware inset for flower pot stuck inside the urn.
"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."

The offered lot is after one of thirteen different pairs of urns of larger size made for the marble parapets separating the Parterre du Nord from the Parterre du Midi at Versailles, where they are still in position. Claude Ballin (1615-1678), goldsmith to Louis XIV, was commissioned to design the ensemble which were then modelled by Legendre, Magniere, Tuby and Angulier and cast by Duval after 1665. Several of Ballin's drawings for the Versailles vases are in the Bibliothèque Nationale. Later in the 19th century, the Versailles urns were copied in various mediums and in reduced sizes by foundries such as Durenne, Dugel, A. Beurdeley, Barbezat et Cie and Barbedienne.