Greek Revival Bronze Vases After Leon Boucher
Our pair of Greek Revival bronze vases, designed by Leon Boucher, are of baluster form with bracketed handles, feature the depictions in relief of Hermes astride Pegasus, and on reserve Bellerophon standing beside Pegasus, and are raised on three legs with cherub masks and paw feet, set upon variegated green marble pedestals. Each 18.5 in by 9 by 9 inches. Each in good condition. There is a restoration to the base of one.
In Greek mythology, Bellerophon, aka Bellerophonte, son of Poseidon, is the Corinthian hero who famously battled and killed the Chimera monster, the fire-breathing mix of lion, goat, and snake. He is also famous for taming the winged horse Pegasus, a gift from his father. Hermes was the herald of the gods, and the protector of human heralds, travellers, merchants and orators.
Ferdinand Levillain (1837-1905) designed a similar amphora vase in the Roman style that depicted Hercules and was cast by Barbedienne.