Désiré Ringel d'Illzach

purchased by Otto Bernheimer, circa 1900-1910;
Inventory of L. Bernheimer, at Palais Bernheimer, Lenbachplatz, Munich 

Overall the condition of the vase is good, with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age, including dust in the crevices. There is particular dirt to the inside of the vase. There is rubbing to the lacquer patina at the high points, and in particular to the circular edge of the foot of the vase. One of the centaurs flanking the handles is lost, and there are drilled holes where he would have been mounted. The tail of one of the centaurs is also lost. There are a few scratches, notably to the left of the group with Silenus. There are a few areas of minor pitting, including to the right of the pipe-playing Maenad. There are a few areas of rust-coloured corrosion to the bronze, notably to the inside of one of the handles at the bottom, where there are also drill holes, and to one of the outer edges of this handle at the top. There is a slightly open but stable joint to the scroll of this handle. There are a few losses or lacunae to the rim on the inside at the top. There is some minor warping to the bottom edge of the base, and there are a few splashes of paint and sticker residues, in particular to the base. There are also a few possible moisture stains, notably to the top of the base.
"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."

This impressive bronze vase is the work of one of the most innovative European sculptors active at the turn of the 20th century, Jean Désiré Ringel d'Illzach. Born in 1847 in Alsace, Ringel studied at the École de Beaux Arts and soon developed a reputation for his original portrait medals executed in different media. His artistic output also included small-scale sculpture in various materials, as well as experimenting in new metal casting techniques.

Ringel's perhaps largest work, the monumental bronze vase in the Getty Museum, compares conceptually to the present vase. Standing at more than two and a half metres, the Getty vase employs a decorative scheme that is characteristic of symbolism, while its general shape, and notably the handles, are copied from an antique volute krater which Ringel drew during a sojourn in Naples in 1877. The present vase is more uniformly classicising, and was undoubtedly also inspired by an ancient Roman krater, such as the Townley vase in the British Museum, which features Bacchic scenes (inv. no. 1805,0703.218). Given the classicising style and the signature, mentioning Napoli, it is possible that the present vase was a direct result of Ringel's visit in the 1870s. The Getty vase, by contrast, bears a Belgian foundry mark and is dated 1889, perhaps a time when the sculptor's symbolist style had taken full shape. Some of the fantastical motifs on the present vase may have been copied directly from the antique and informed the sculptor's later work.