Ferdinand LEVILLAIN (1837–1905) Diogenes, 1891 A lidded vase on ...
Ferdinand LEVILLAIN (1837–1905)
Diogenes, 1891
A lidded vase on a pedestal made of electroplated gilded copper, featuring rich relief decoration consisting of eight medallions depicting the life of Diogenes, the Greek philosopher of the Cynic school. The medallions are surrounded by a profusion of nude figures punctuated by grotesque and feline mascarons. The base is richly decorated with mascarons, ephebes, mice, plants, and cupids.
The medallion depicting the famous encounter between Diogenes and Alexander the Great is signed “F. LEVILLAIN” and dated 1891.
H. 40 cm; W. 18.3 cm.
A copy of the same model was purchased for the Musée du Luxembourg in 1891 during the Salon des Artistes Français, which was held at the Palais des Champs-Elysées. It is now housed at the Musée d’Orsay under the inventory number OAO 68
Bibliography:
- Revue des arts décoratifs, Paris, [n.p.], 1892, p. 328
- Vottero, Michaël, “Ferdinand Levillain: The Theater of the Gods”: [exhibition, Sens, Orangerie des Musées de Sens, March 21–September 21, 2015], Sens, Musées de Sens, 2015, pp. 6–7; 50–51
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Ferdinand LEVILLAIN (1837–1905)
Diogenes, 1891
A lidded vase on a pedestal made of electroplated gilded copper, featuring rich relief decoration consisting of eight medallions depicting the life of Diogenes, the Greek philosopher of the Cynic school. The medallions are surrounded by a profusion of nude figures punctuated by grotesque and feline mascarons. The base is richly decorated with mascarons, ephebes, mice, plants, and cupids.
The medallion depicting the famous encounter between Diogenes and Alexander the Great is signed “F. LEVILLAIN” and dated 1891.
H. 40 cm; W. 18.3 cm.
A copy of the same model was purchased for the Musée du Luxembourg in 1891 during the Salon des Artistes Français, which was held at the Palais des Champs-Elysées. It is now housed at the Musée d’Orsay under the inventory number OAO 68
Bibliography:
- Revue des arts décoratifs, Paris, [n.p.], 1892, p. 328
- Vottero, Michaël, “Ferdinand Levillain: The Theater of the Gods”: [exhibition, Sens, Orangerie des Musées de Sens, March 21–September 21, 2015], Sens, Musées de Sens, 2015, pp. 6–7; 50–51
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
