A Pair of Gilt and Patinated Bronze Vases Mounted as Lamps

Description

A Pair of Néo-Grec Parcel-Gilt Patinated Bronze Vases Mounted as Lamps, Cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne, from the Model by Henry Cahieux.

Each vase is finely cast with herm-headed handles flanking a slender elongated neck above a tapering body relief-cast with classical figures and anthemion, raised on a square Belgian black marble bases.  Now mounted as Lamps.

Cast signatures ‘F. BARBEDIENNE FONDEUR.’ and ‘HENRY CAHIEUX’.

This model of vase was exhibited by Barbedienne at the 1855 Paris ‘Exposition Universelle’ to great acclaim. They were illustrated in the Exhibition Catalogue alongside a classical revival tripod. The pair of vases together with another were described as follows: The two vases (…) selected from many exquisite and beautiful decorative works in bronze from the atelier of Messrs. Barbedienne & Cie, of Paris; they are formed, and ornamented, on the best models of the ancient Greek.

The tall slender shape of the vases with their elongated necks and a flaring mouth, in the form of anamphora with two handles, is derived from ancient Greek Loutrophoroi, which were ceremonial vases used to hold water during marriage rituals.

The Parisian sculptor Henry Cahieux (1825-1854) is recorded as having supplied the celebrated Barbedienne foundry with exclusive master models for casting in bronze including, bas-reliefs in the néo-grec, Egyptian and Japanese styles. He exhibited at the Salon between 1850 and 1853, his work always cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne.

France, vers 1870.