Lot 3077
  • 3077

"Night": An American Silver, Copper, Iron And Gold Allegorical Plaque, Tiffany & Co., New York, Signed By Eugene J. Soligny, circa 1875

Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 USD
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Description

  • signed in the base of the central scene Tiffany & Co. NY and EJS conjoined, the back with scratched numbers, struck with French control marks
  • Silver
  • diameter 13 3/8 in.
  • 34.7 cm
chased in high and low relief with the personification of Night riding an owl, the wide iron rim with band of silver maple leaves and gold seed pods

Provenance

Sotheby's, New York, January 28, 30 and 31, 1994, lot 560 (where the Tiffany design for the border is reproduced)

Exhibited

Probably Paris Exhibition of 1878

Literature

John Loring, Magnificent Tiffany Silver, p. 132

Condition

slight rust stains to border
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.

Catalogue Note

Eugene J. Soligny (1832-1901) was born in Paris and studied with Leonard Morel-Ladeuil before emigrating to the U.S. in 1856, possibly at the invitation of Tiffany's, where he was definitely working by 1859. By 1867 his initials first appear on a Tiffany creation, a break from the house practice that shows the high esteem in which the firm held this artist.

Only a few pieces - including this one - are known to be signed by Soligny; such major Tiffany productions as the Bryant Vase, the Jerome Park trophy, the Comanche Cup, and the Nast Testimonial.  

According to Tiffany's records, this medallion cost $430 to manufacture.  The French import marks on this piece suggest it was one of four allegorical plates shown by Soligny at the Paris Exposition of 1878.