charpentier & compagnie Fl. 1860's A rare Néo-Grec gilt and patinated bronze mounted rouge griotte marble urn on stand Paris, circa 1867

the urn decorated with gilt and patinated palmette-cast banding and flanked by stylized foliate handles, set on a pair of seated sphinx figures above classical comedy masks, the tripod pedestal with fauns emerging from acanthus leaf-cast supports and terminating in hooved feet.

In good condition and good presentation, but with the tarnishing to gilt and patinated bronze, mostly to high relief of seated sphinx and fawns. Natural hairline cracks to marble and very minute chips around edges of marble base. Vase and pedestal are sturdy.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present lot is considered rare, as it is unusual to find the matching pedestal and vase together. The pedestal is identical to one in an engraving illustrated in The Art Journal's Catalogue of the Universal Exhibition of 1867, Paris, p. 82. The journal comments, "M. Charpentier is surpassed by none of his competitors in the fabrication of Works in Bronze. They are designed and modeled by eminent artists of France, and are finished with the nicest skill. He holds, consequently, the highest rank among the manufacturers of Paris."
For a complementary note on Charpentier see lot 5 in the present sale.