AFTER CLAUDE BALLIN, LAST QUARTER 19TH CENTURY

Details

A French bronze sphinx urn
After Claude Ballin, last quarter 19th century
The baluster urn flanked by twin lion's mask swing handles, enclosed by scallop shell canopies, mounted on a square base inscribed Société des Bronzes, and an applied plaque inscribed LES FAMILLES NYSET ZECH 1914-1918
15½in. (39.4cm.) high

Special notice

This lot is subject to Collection and Storage Charges. No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis

Lot Essay

This design is by Claude Ballin (1615-1678), and is one of a pair. The original is part of a set of thirteen pairs, designed for Louis XIV's formal terraced garden's at Versailles, the Parterre du Nord and the Parterre du Midi, cast between 1660 and 1680. Napoleon III allowed the 4th Marquis of Hertford (1800-1870) permission to take casts from these vases for his gardens at the Chateau of Bagatelle in the 1860's.
COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
John Davis Antique Garden Ornament, Antique Collectors' Club 1991.

More from Carpets, European Furniture and Decorative Objects

View All