Lot 60
  • 60

LÉONARD MOREL-LADEUIL (1820-1888)FRENCH, 19TH CENTURY | Ewer and Basin

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Ewer and Basin
  • signed: MOREL LADEUIL
  • gilt and silvered metal
  • 66cm., 26in. basin: 53cm., 20 7/8 in. diameter

Condition

Overall, the condition of the bronze is very good with minor dirt and wear consistent with age. There is minor dark spotting, in particular to the woman’s torso. There is a circular mark to the woman’s left buttock and proper right thigh. There is also a circular mark to the baby’s torso at the proper left side. There are few minor scratches including to the woman’s legs. There is a small original rectangular plug to the woman’s proper right shin.
"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."

Catalogue Note

This elaborately decorated ewer depicts the 'Dance of the Wilis' on its central frieze, relating to the story of Giselle in the well-known Romantic ballet. The Wilis, legendary spirits of women slighted by men, central to the story of Giselle, are engaged in a wild dance, one of the spirits perching on the handle, while an owl overlooks the whole ensemble. The basin, decorated with a snake, a frog and a lizard, represents a pond, the base of the ewer a lily pad. The present piece is described in Leon Morel’s catalogue raisonné as ‘vase-ewer and basin in molten silver’ (op. cit. p. 190) and is further mentioned in the catalogue of Morel-Ladeuil’s goldsmith work (Catalogue Complet […] p. 39, no. 2). Léonard Morel-Ladeuil was born in 1820 to a family of master tailors, and moved to Paris where he was taught by his cousin. He later apprenticed with the sculptor Jean-Jacques Feuchère. In 1859, Morel-Ladeuil moved to Birmingham, where he worked with British manufacturers Elkington & Co for over 20 years. He exhibited works at the Great Exhibitions of Paris, Vienna and Philadelphia, winning numerous medals. 

RELATED LITERATURE
L. Morel, L'oeuvre de Morel-Ladeuil: Sculpteur-Ciseleur 1820-1888, Paris, 1904, p. 190; Catalogue Complet des Oevres d’Orfèvrerie de Morel-Ladeuil de 1851 à 1888, Paris, p. 39.