A Monumental Pair of Gilt Bronze-Mounted Pink Granite Vases, the Mounts Circa 1840 After Designs by Jean-Louis Prieur or Jean-François Forty; the Vases Possibly Late 18th Century

A Monumental Pair of Gilt Bronze-Mounted Pink Granite Vases, the Mounts Circa 1840 After Designs by Jean-Louis Prieur or Jean-François Forty; the Vases Possibly Late 18th Century
bronzes re-gilt

height 38 1/2 in.; width of base 13 1/2 in.; depth of base 13 1/2 in.
97.8 cm; 34.3 cm; 34.3 cm

Condition Report:
Vases are in excellent condition for their age with a few signs of wear of losses, as is to be expected. Scattered small chips to moulded borders and losses to corners of square bases, these visible in catalogue and condition photos. Small chips and losses to circular rims to vases above these generally concealed by the gilt bronze lids. Circular mouldings along base of feet with four holes at 90 degree intervals for previous mounts or fittings, and holes are also present above the laurel garlands held by pair of herm figures, previously with gilt bronze roundels comparable to those fastening garlands on front and back of vases; two of these are detached but present. Otherwise the granite surface is in very good condition without apparent losses, abrasions, scratches or inherent cracks. Some of the gilt bronze foliate husks in the fluting with soldered repairs, and one husk lacking a section of approximately 2 in./ 5 cm. One bronze herm figure has a stable crack between the abdomen and foliate backing with a small loss to corner of foliage, which is not visually distracting. Some typical rubbing and oxidation to gilding, nothing significant. An extremely impressive and imposing model and a rare survival.