Pair Palatial Louis XVI Sevres Style Bronze Mounted Vases and Pedestals
This pair of large Louis XVI style gilt bronze-mounted porcelain vases in the Sevres style date from the late nineteenth century, and feature finely painted reserves on cobalt blue ground depicted mythological scenes with Hercules on obverse, and ruin landscapes on reverse, signed "Leber", plus finely cast and finished gilt bronze mounts, including pine cone finials, and each flanked by the busts of female nymphs emanating from acanthus leaves. Included are later wooden pedestals in the Empire style. Vases measure 55 in (140 cm) each, and heights including pedestals are 87 in (221 cm). Provenance: Sotheby's.
Each is in good overall condition. The gilt bronze mounts show tarnishing and dirt in the crevices. The Acanthus side mounts and female figure show pitting to the gilding. The lids are intact and there are no visible signs of restoration to the lids nor vases. There is some wear to the gilding surrounding the painted cartouches. There is some discoloration to the painting of the face of the seated Hercules and red marble column on one vase. The arm of one female is bent slightly versus the other three females and now touches her nose.
