BRONZE VASE IN THE SHAPE OF AN AMPHORA, SIGNED FERDINAND BARBEDIENNE

A bronze vase with an aged gilt patina, shaped like an amphora, resting on four hoof feet and a quatrefoil base. The body, decorated in bas-relief, depicts grape harvest scenes on one side and the profile of Ariadne (Ariadne in Greek) on the other. The handles, adorned with mascaron motifs, are surmounted by cornucopias. The narrow neck is decorated with garlands of leaves and flowers. The bronze is signed F. Berbedienne (1810-1892) and F. Levillain. In Greek mythology, Ariadne, daughter of Minos and Pasiphaë, is seduced by Theseus. When Theseus, destined for certain death, must fight the Minotaur in the labyrinth, Ariadne gives him a way out by entrusting him with a thread to unwind along the path: "Ariadne's thread." After killing the Minotaur and escaping the labyrinth, Theseus proposes marriage to Ariadne. But, in love with Phaedra (Ariadne's sister), he eventually abandoned Ariadne on the island of Naxos. She was rescued by the god of wine, Dionysus, who married her and made her a goddess. Ferdinand Levillain (1837-1905) was a sculptor, medalist, and medal engraver who drew inspiration from classical models. He created numerous cups, vases, and lighting fixtures. He was a student of the sculptor Jouffroy (1806-1882). He made his debut at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1861, where he exhibited until 1903. At the 1867 Universal Exhibition, he gained recognition for creating a bronze cup in the Neo-Greek style. It was from 1871 onward that Levillain truly achieved renown, thanks to his partnership with the bronze sculptor Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892). Levillain triumphed at the 1878 Universal Exhibition, where he won a gold medal for his works in the antique style. Subsequently, he received a first-class medal at the 1884 Salon for a cup entitled "The Elements, the Months, and the Seasons," and won a silver medal at the 1889 Universal Exhibition. Several cups and medals by Ferdainand Levillain are held in the collections of the Musée d'Orsay. 19th century, circa 1870. Dimensions: W: 15cm, D: 15cm, H: 44cm. In good overall condition. The aged patina is intentional, as desired by the artist.