A rare pair of tall Néo-Grec style gilt and patinated bronze urns cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne, after a model by Ferdinand Levillain Paris, circa 1878

each signed F. LEVILLAIN, and signed M^{ON. BARBEDIENNE / PARIS}.

Overall in good and fair condition, impressive presentation. As visible in the catalogue illustration, the finials have been sewn off, one lower than the other. There are the usual wear and losses to gilt highlights. The seams of the cast parts are visible and slightly irregular.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The goût Grec or Greek revival style of the 1860s and 1870s was introduced at the 1862 London Exhibition by ébénistes such as Diehl and bronziers such as Marchand and Barbedienne. Within five years, designers had developed the goût Grec, which took a prominent position at the 1867 Paris Universal Exhbition with decorative works by Diehl, Barbedienne, Levillain, Houbedine and Servant as well as figural works by Carrier and Lemaire.

The present pair of vases, originally conceived as oil lamps, is a tour de force of collaboration between the sculpteur-ornemaniste Ferdinand Levillain (1837-1905) and the renowned bronze editor Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892). A tour de force that celebrates the Neo-Grec taste fashionable in Paris at the time of their creation (and consequently this model) was shown at the Exposition Universelle de Paris in 1878. A similar pair of vases was sold at Christie's New York, April 24, 2001, lot 251 for $68,150