ANTIQUE 19thC UNIQUE ODIOT SOLID SILVER EXCEPTIONAL FIGURAL EWER, PARIS c.1875
19th Century French Solid Silver figural ewer, raised on a circular foot applied with cast Mythological figures, the tall baluster body is chased and applied with four allegories of the seasons surrounded by scrolling foliage decoration, the front is applied with a cast Satyr holding a cup, the large handle is applied with scrolling foliage and surmounted by a nude nymph squeezing grapes in the jug.
The base is Hallmarked French silver (Minerva's head, 950), Paris, year 1870-80, Maker's mark for Jean-Baptiste Gustave Odiot.
Reference Number: A3522
DESCRIPTION
Antique 19th Century unique and exceptional French Solid Silver figural ewer, raised on a circular foot applied with cast Mythological figures, the tall baluster body is chased and applied with four allegories of the seasons surrounded by scrolling foliage decoration, the front is applied with a cast Satyr holding a cup, the large handle is applied with scrolling foliage and surmounted by a nude nymph squeezing grapes in the jug.
The base is Hallmarked French silver (Minerva's head, 950 high standard), Paris, year 1870-80, Maker's mark for Jean-Baptiste Gustave Odiot, and the base is further signed with the chaser's name: "DIOMÈDE ciseleur a Paris".
Jean-Baptiste Gustave Odiot is considered the best French silversmith of his generation and is the successor of the famous dynasty of French silversmiths. His grandfather was Jean-Baptiste-Coude Odiot, Napoleon's silversmith and the firm produced exhibition pieces for all the 19th century World Exhibitions and the most important Royal families of the world, such as the Tsars of Russia, Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria, Said Pacha, Viceroy of Egypt.
The chaser Diomede, who signed the piece, collaborated with Odiot to some of the most important Exhibition pieces. This jug, for its unparalled quality, has to be considered as a unique exhibition piece, possibly made for the Paris International Exhibition in 1878.
The etching published by A. FISCHER ("Pattern Book For Jewellers, Gold- and Silversmiths", London 1880-83, page 18, please follow this link) and later illustrated in the "Scientific American Supplement, Vol. XII, No. 229, proves that the ewer was then considered one of the best Exhibition pieces of its time, a unique artwork by one of the greatest silversmiths of all time.
CONDITION
In Excellent Condition - no damage.
SIZE
Height: 49.5cm
Width: 19 x 18cm
Total Weight: 2750g
