Large Bronze Ewer, 19th Century

This is undoubtedly the expression of eclecticism at its finest in the second half of the 19th century. Often decried, this rereading style the styles of the past in the light of new scholarly discoveries, in their broad outlines and in their national specificities, has nevertheless shown a vitality that renews slumbering motifs.

Viollet-le-Duc (1814 – 1879) was the most famous exponent of his time, injecting a new dynamism into the Gothic style. Paul Abadie fils (1812 – 1884) left his mark as well, giving a new lease of life to the Romanesque style. As for the reading of the French Renaissance, many were those who studied it and our bronze craftsman is certainly a proud representative.

This important openwork bronze ewer, purely decorative, borrows its rich ornamentation from the French Renaissance in a revisiting that is both learned and lively. The fictitious coat of arms in the centre of the belly is very characteristic of this French 19th century diving in its artistic heritage. Hunters and birds populate the ewer while its handle is surmounted by a superb dragon and decorated under the lip with an elegant female mascaron.

One has to admire here the very beautiful work of sculpture and chiseling as well as the great finesse and the exceptional size of this ewer in very good condition and presented on its green marble base.