A pair of gilt-bronze-mounted bronze and rouge griotte marble ewers attributed to Antoine-André Raviro Empire, early 19th Century

each of tapering baluster form, the handle in the form of a griffin head cast with acanthus leaves, supported on the head of a satyr mask, the collar with an alternating band of anthemions and husks, the front with an octagon enclosing a winged term in drapery with outstretched arms with a flaming oil lamp in each hand on a satyr mask flanked by ears of corn and scrolling foliage, the lower section with an alternating band of lotus leaves and stylised anthemions, on a square base

Very good overall condition. A few old marks to the bronze and some wear to the finely chased gilding. One marble base has a tiny repaired section. One of the ewers has a handle which is loose at the top, the same ewer has a very minor separation between the sections of gilt bronze on the base.
"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."

Antoine-André Raviro (1759-1814) was one of the premier French bronze-workers and was from a family which had close links with some of the greatest French cabinet makers, his uncles were Vandercruse, Oeben and Riesener. In 1777 he became a master of his guild. He produced mounts of the highest quality supplying ébénistes such as Jacob and Benneman. Although employed by the crown it was under the Empire that he came into his own becoming bronzier to the Emperor in 1810 after work carried out for Napoleon at the Tuileries, Saint Cloud and Fountainebleau amongst others. A skilled craftsman and an ingenious designer he won many plaudits including a silver medal at the Exposition de l'Industrie in 1806.

There is a portrait of Raviro by Henri-François Riesener from 1812 in the Louvre. This painting is interesting as it shows the designer seated at a table with his papers and in the background a vase not unlike the offered lot (see fig.1.).