Pair of French Louis XVI Ormolu Mounted Marble Vases 1774 - 1776

Unknown artist

StoneBronzeMetalWhite marble
64 ⨯ 28 ⨯ 23 cm
Currently unavailable via Gallerease

• About the artwork
  On a square ormolu plinth, a pair of white marble baluster vases with covers. Both vases mounted on an ormolu foot and with ormolu handles. The covers topped by an ormolu pineapple finial.
  The ormolu fluted foot is of concave shape, the lower part decorated with cable bands. The vase proper is contained within an ormolu mount of pointed foliage.
  
  On both sides the ormolu handles are attached to female masks above draped cloth and attached to the foliage below by a decorated band. The handles are joined together by ormolu laurel garlands with berries.
  The shoulder of both vases is decorated with pearl beads and the rim at the top bears a circle with foliate motifs. The cover is topped by a pineapple finial.
  
  During the Neoclassical period pure white marble was much appreciated as a material. Archaeological finds of sculptures of Classical Antiquity inspired artists and artisans alike and they used the austere beauty of the material to produce many decorative objects.
  Paired with the beautifully chased ormolu, these vases are objects of true “noble simplicity”.
• About the artist

  It might happen that an artist or maker is unknown.

  Some works are not to be determined by whom it is made or it is made by (a group of) craftsmen. Examples are statues from the Ancient Time, furniture, mirroirs, or signatures that are not clear or readible but as well some works are not signed at all.

  As well you can find the following description:

  •“Attributed to ….” In their opinion probably a work by the artist, at least in part

  •“Studio of ….” or “Workshop of” In their opinion a work executed in the studio or workshop of the artist, possibly under his supervision

  •“Circle of ….” In their opinion a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil

  •“Style of ….” or “Follower of ….” In their opinion a work executed in the artist’s style but not necessarily by a pupil; may be contemporary or nearly contemporary

  •“Manner of ….” In their opinion a work in the style of the artist but of a later date

  •“After ….” In their opinion a copy (of any date) of a work of the artist

  •“Signed…”, “Dated….” or “Inscribed” In their opinion the work has been signed/dated/inscribed by the artist. The addition of a question mark indicates an element of doubt

  •"With signature ….”, “With date ….”, “With inscription….” or “Bears signature/date/inscription” in their opinion the signature/ date/ inscription has been added by someone other than the artist