Luigi Valadier

Hinged to the mount at the upper margin. Light scattered foxing and a brown ink stain upper right. Overall in good condition, medium remains fresh.
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.

Luigi Valadier's workshop was an established institute for the decorative arts, with highly skilled silversmiths and draftsmen mass-producing decorative pieces for many patrons.

This is a design for an elaborate dessert, intended as a table centerpiece.  There is an indication of scale below and Valadier has included a detailed drawing of the actual table ornament.  This project was perhaps made in honor of an erudite woman who was interested in Literature and the Arts, an assumption based on the abundance of female figures that adorn the dessert.  They represent muses from Greek mythology, including Melpomene, who is holding a mask in her hand and who is the muse of Tragedy, Clio, the muse of History, Terpsichore, the muse of Dance and Music, who holds a lyre in her hand, and Polymnia, the muse of Sacred Poetry who is depicted deep in thought, wrapped in a shawl and wreathed with roses.

The design is well-balanced and harmonious: Valadier has introduced a central column and placed the four female sculptures on either side, providing symmetry and order to the whole.