ANTIQUE 19thC FRENCH MONUMENTAL SOLID SILVER FIGURAL CENTREPIECE c.1840

DESCRIPTION

Antique mid-19th Century French Monumental solid silver statue, standing on on a turned ebonised base, the statue realistically modelled as a cast figure of The Vestal Virgin, draped in a long veil extending from her diadem.

In ancient Rome, the Vestals or Vestal Virgins were priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the hearth. The college of the Vestals was regarded as fundamental to the continuance and security of Rome. These individuals cultivated the sacred fire that was not allowed to go out. Vestals were freed of the usual social obligations to marry and bear children and took a 30-year vow of chastity in order to devote themselves to the study and correct observance of state rituals that were forbidden to the colleges of male priests.

In 382 AD, the Christian emperor Gratian confiscated the public revenues assigned to the cult of Vesta in Rome, and the Vestals vanished from historical record soon after.

Hallmarked French silver (Minerva's head, 950 high silver standard), circa 1840's, of high quality and possibly made by Christofle.

The renowned firm began in 1830's when Charles Christofle (1805-1863) took over the small family workshop in Paris, with the backing of his wealthy sister he quickly grew his business. Being a true visionary in his field, In 1842 he made a brilliant move in negotiating a license with Elkington for the Electroplating patent, this gave him a huge advantage over his French counterparts and quickly made his business world renowned. The firm regularly participated in International fairs where Christofle consistently won Critical praise and awards. There recognitions led to important commissions from home and abroad, Napoleon III of France, Sultan Abdulaziz of Ottoman Empire, Russian and English Royal houses and aristocracy.

CONDITION

In Great Condition - No Damage.

SIZE

Height: 105cm
Width: 35cm
Weight: 28,210g