Pair of Vases (Vases Boizot)

This pair of neoclassical vases is distinguished by its superb gilt-bronze, goat shaped mount which is thought to be by Pierre Philippe Thomire, an outstanding sculptor and bronze-caster of the late 18th century.

Vases of a similar form, though with different decoration, bearing the date-letters for 1782 were purchased by George IV. The Walters' pair have tentatively been associated with a 1784 inventory reference at the Palace of Versailles.

Inscription

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.

Collection of Mrs. Charcot Hendry (Jeanne Marie Charcot Hendry), by 1920; Sale, Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, London, June 3, 1920 [1]; with Jacques Seligmann, New York by 1920; purchased by Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1920; by bequest to Walters Art Museum, 1931.

[1]. Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, "Catalogue of Jewellery, Miniatures, Works of Art, Pottery, Porcelain, etc.," sale cat., London, 3 June 1920, lot 279: "A pair of Sèvres Vases and Covers, decforated with a frieze of Bacchanal scenes in gold on a gros bleu ground, with goat handles and mounts in ormolu; 17 in."