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拍品專文
This previously unrecognised commission, made by the notorious and celebrated art collector Baron Jérome Pichon (1812-1896) is mentioned by Fuhring, op. cit., p. 343 in his celebrated work on Meissonnier. The full details of the commissioning process was described by Pichon in a manuscript note now preserved in the collection of the Musée Condé in Chantilly. It provides a fascinating insight into the complicated process and the degree to which Baron Pichon directed the design and manufacture of these magnificent wine-coolers.
A translation of the manuscript note reads:
'In June 1856 I ordered the silver wine coolers after those made for the Duke de Bourbon in 1723. The plaster model was created by the sculptor M. el Pascal: they have been cast by Allard of the rue de Filles du calvaire with silver from the mines of Poulaouen in Brittany with a fineness of 970 parts per 1000 supplied by me; they have been chased by Thomas my very skillful chaser and the mounts by the silversmith Paul Bour. I have replaced the bas reliefs of Neptune killing his horse with his trident with the Sun God in his chariot and the Triumph of Galatea. The wine coolers were made under my direction with all possible care and have been well received. Their weight and the cost is in the region of 6,500 francs. My coat-of-arms in the Oppenord's lion's pelt cartouche replace the arms of the Duke de Bourbon.'
A translation of the manuscript note reads:
'In June 1856 I ordered the silver wine coolers after those made for the Duke de Bourbon in 1723. The plaster model was created by the sculptor M. el Pascal: they have been cast by Allard of the rue de Filles du calvaire with silver from the mines of Poulaouen in Brittany with a fineness of 970 parts per 1000 supplied by me; they have been chased by Thomas my very skillful chaser and the mounts by the silversmith Paul Bour. I have replaced the bas reliefs of Neptune killing his horse with his trident with the Sun God in his chariot and the Triumph of Galatea. The wine coolers were made under my direction with all possible care and have been well received. Their weight and the cost is in the region of 6,500 francs. My coat-of-arms in the Oppenord's lion's pelt cartouche replace the arms of the Duke de Bourbon.'