A pair of limewood vases and covers attributed to Aubert-H.-J. Parent (1753-1835), Restauration, first quarter 19th century

each of baluster form with a leaf carved finial, with an ink inscribed paper label inside the cover of both `Purchased at Brienz 1836', the other with another ink inscribed paper label` Two tazze of Lime tree Wood from Brienz Catalogue II h.g. No. 4'

In overall very good condition. Colour overall slightly darker and much more attractive than in the catalogue photograph. The quality of the carving is very good. On one the tip of a small nail protruding from the finial on one cover. There is a hairline crack in the socle and approx four scattered pin-sized holes in the body of the same one but these are hardly noticeable. There are some very minor marks and miniscule chips which are hardly noticeable, e.g. to some flower petals. There is a hairline crack in the socle of another.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Aubert-H-J. Parent (1753-1835), remembered as a virtuoso carver of neo-classical bas-reliefs with naturalistic rendering of outstanding skill and subtlety, was also an architect, and an antiquary who published Roman ruins he examined in Switzerland and near his native Valenciennes, and a designer who issued engravings for ironwork and clock cases.

Born December 13, 1753 at Cambrai in France, Parent's precocious talent was soon noticed by Anne-Gabriel de Cardevac, Marquis d'Havrincourt and other local aristocrats with connections at the court of Louis XVI. Parent's first important commission was a carved panel presented in 1777 to Louis XVI who placed it in the salle à manger intérieure at Versailles. In 1784, Parent made his first visit to Italy where he stayed until 1788 studying classical antiquity and the monumental ruins. Upon his return to Paris in 1788, Parent set about publishing his designs for vases, consoles, seat furniture, wrought-iron balconies and staircases railings. Parent left Paris for Switzerland in 1792, originally settling in Basle before moving to Neuchâtel by 1795. In 1793, he described himself as 'sieur Aubert. Parent, Sculptor, Designer, Academician and former pensioner of his late Majesty, Louis XVI, King of France, resident of Bale, Switzerland'. In Basel, Parent lectured at the University and directed local excavations of Roman remains, finally publishing Antiquités de la Suisse. From 1797 to 1804, he worked in Berlin before returning to Neuchâtel. He finally returned to Valenciennes in 1813, where he established a chair of architecture at the academy. He continued to sculpt, exhibiting at Valenciennes in 1817, 1818, 1833 and 1835, at Douai in 1817, Lille in 1830 and Cambrai in 1834.

A related urn and cover was offered for sale in Chatsworth, the Attic sale, Sotheby's, 5th-7th October 2010, lot 439.

For a full discussion of the life and works of Aubert Parent, see Colin Streeter, Two Carved Reliefs by Aubert Parent, the J.Paul Getty Museum Journal, 13/1985, pp.53-66.