Barbedienne's Neo-Classical Bronze Urn with Mythical Beast Masks
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A large neo-classical patinated bronze urn, after Clodion, by Ferdinand Barbedienne, late 19th century, of ovoid form, flanked by mythical beast head masks, the whole finely cast with classical motifs, above a circular foot, signed 'F. Barbedienne', raised on a stepped square rouge marble foot, 55 cm high, 25 cm wide. Provenance: Contents of Toorak mansion, Trawalla.
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- Oviform /ovoid - The outline loosely resembling the shape of an egg.
- Neo Classical - The period or style, known as "neo-classical", was based on Greek and Roman designs and motifs, and is usually associated with the influence of the four Adam brothers, but principally Robert Adam, the second oldest of the brothers, who were architects and designers, active in the latter half ot the 18th century (1760s to 1790s).
Born in Scotland in 1728, Robert Adam spent time in Italy studying and his designs are influenced by the finds made during the excavation of Pompei.
When he returned to England he became the Court Architect to George III (1738-1820).
In turn, designs by Adam then influenced Hepplewhite.
Neo-classical ornamentation is characterised by use of classical urns, palmettes, mythical creatures such as the sphinx and griffin, ram's heads, swags, scrolling foliage, and use of the Greek key pattern. - Bronze - An alloy of copper and tin, traditionally in the proportions of about 9 parts of copper to 1 part of tin.
The discovery of bronze in Western Asia in the 4th century enabled people to create metal objects which were superior to those previoulsy possible because of its strength and hardness, and it has been used throughout the world for weapons, coins, tools, statuary and other decorative items.
It is very fluid in a molten state, and its hardness, strength when set, and non-corrosive properties makes it most suitable for casting sculpture.
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