Attributed to Georges-Émile-Henri Servant

enamel, gilt bronze, marble

Hôtel Drouot, Paris, 8 December 2000, lot 103
Acquired from the above by the present owner

J. Beavington, The illustrated catalogue of the Universal Exhibition published with the Art Journal London, 1867, p. 20, for a vase with related paw feet and lion mask ring pulls

In overall good condition. The brass has very minor areas of tarnishing most apparent where the ring pull carrying handles have rubbed against the lion masks. The blue enamel inlay to the front with some minor discolouration. The marble has typical signs of wear. With a removable lead liner.
"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 goût Grec or Greek revival style of the 1860s and 1870s was introduced at the 1862 London Exhibition by ébénistes such as Diehl and bronziers such as Marchand, Barbedienne and Servant. Within five years, designers had developed the goût Grec, which took a prominent position at the 1867 Paris Universal Exhbition with decorative works of art of outstanding designs. The present lot with its lion heads, stylized palmettes, paw feet and loop handles is closely related to a model of a two-handled urn by Servant, which he exhibited in the 1867 exhibition. The model was highly praised in the Jury reports by Jules Mesnard, "La forme générale et les détails sont d'un caractère d'un goût parfaits, et portent ce cachet qu'on retrouve aux meilleurs ouvrages que nous ait légués l' Antiquité et notamment Pompéi, qui était romaine, mais dont bein des vases étaient du Grec le plus pur ... Ce vase de Bacchus est tout en bronze." The model was illustrated in the Art Journal, 1867, p. 20, and Jonathan Meyer, Great Exhibitions: London - New York - Paris - Philadelphia, 1851-1900, Woodbridge, 2006, p 176, fig. E12.