A pair of gilt-bronze vases each stamped Thomire à Paris Empire, circa 1820

each of tapering baluster form with berried laurel handles issuing female masks with a leaf-cast column, the body applied with neo-classical figures on a plinth base mounted with ribbon-tied berried laurel wreaths; gilding worn

Colour of gilding less green and more golden and attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Attractive detail to casting. The gilt-bronze is dirty and would benefit from a light clean and has several scratches and minor dents. The vases have been dismantled in the past and have not been re-assembled particularly well as the domed-shape section on the body of the vase is slightly crooked, but this can easily be re-adjusted. Attractive model 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."

Comparative Literature:
D. Alcouffe, A. Dion-Teneenbaum, G. Mabille, Gilt-bronzes in the Louvre, Dijon, 2004, p. 278, no. 138.

This pair of vases mounted on pedestals addorned with wreaths is inspired by Antique models. The dancers on the frieze may well be loosely based upon the bas-relief in the Borghese collection acquired by Napoleon I for the Louvre Museum in 1807, as the frieze was often copied to decorate vases.
A related pair of vases by Thomire, with shorter necks and floral wreaths on the pedestals, is in the Louvre (inv. OA 10220), illustrated by Alcouffe, op. cit., p. 277, no. 138.