- 153
Edouard Lièvre
Estimate
18,000 - 22,000 GBP
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Description
- Vase, circa 1875
- signed Escalier de / Cristal / -Paris-
- glass, enamel, gilt bronze
- 34.4 cm. (13 1/4 in.)
executed by L'Escalier de Cristal, Paris
engraved and enamelled crystal, gilt bronze
engraved and enamelled crystal, gilt bronze
Literature
Denise Ledoux-Lebard, Le Mobilier Français du XIX Siècle, Paris, 1989, p. 437 for discussion on the maker
Philippe Thiébaut, ‘Contribution a une histoire du mobilier japonisant: les creations de l’Escalier de Cristal’, Revue de l’Art, no. 85, 1989, pp. 76 – 81 for a discussion on Maison Escalier de Cristal
Roberto Polo, "Un créateur inspire", Connaissance des Arts: Edouard Lièvre, exh. cat., 16 September - 16 October 2004, Paris, 2004, p. 34, illustrated
La Gazette Drouot, no. 18, May 2015, p. 127, for a relatable example
Philippe Thiébaut, ‘Contribution a une histoire du mobilier japonisant: les creations de l’Escalier de Cristal’, Revue de l’Art, no. 85, 1989, pp. 76 – 81 for a discussion on Maison Escalier de Cristal
Roberto Polo, "Un créateur inspire", Connaissance des Arts: Edouard Lièvre, exh. cat., 16 September - 16 October 2004, Paris, 2004, p. 34, illustrated
La Gazette Drouot, no. 18, May 2015, p. 127, for a relatable example
Condition
Overall very good condition consistent with age. Very minor wear to the gilt enamel.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Edouard Lièvre (1829-1886) was born in Nancy and trained as a painter under the French academic painter Thomas Couture before turning his attention to decorative art design. His earliest important work datable with certainty is the grand vase persan designed for the Christofle firm in 1874, and exhibited by the latter at the Paris Expositions of 1878 and also 1889 and 1900.
Lièvre also designed for the illustrious bronzier Ferdinand Barbedienne. Among Lièvre's important clients were the actress Sarah Bernhardt, the courtesan Louise-Emilie Valtesse de la Bigne, and Albert Vieillard, director of Bordeaux's ceramics factory and an early Japonisme enthusiast. The suite of furniture designed for Vieillard included the Cabinet Japonais now in the Musée d'Orsay, Paris.
Following Lièvre's death, his estate was dispersed via two auctions in 1887 and 1890. These auctions were commended by the press: "It has been a long time since art lovers had the opportunity to see at auction a remarkable collection such as the work of the recently deceased master. His creations will make history..." (see: Roberto Polo, "Un créateur inspire", Connaissance des Arts, no. 228, Paris, 2004, p. 8). It is believed that most of the collection was sold to George and Henri Pannier, owners of the elegant shop, l'Escalier de Cristal. The Pannier brothers produced altered versions of Lièvre's designs, including seven variants of Vieillard's Cabinet Japonais, one of which was sold to Grand Duke Vladimir of Russia and is now in the Hermitage, St Petersburg.
Lièvre also designed for the illustrious bronzier Ferdinand Barbedienne. Among Lièvre's important clients were the actress Sarah Bernhardt, the courtesan Louise-Emilie Valtesse de la Bigne, and Albert Vieillard, director of Bordeaux's ceramics factory and an early Japonisme enthusiast. The suite of furniture designed for Vieillard included the Cabinet Japonais now in the Musée d'Orsay, Paris.
Following Lièvre's death, his estate was dispersed via two auctions in 1887 and 1890. These auctions were commended by the press: "It has been a long time since art lovers had the opportunity to see at auction a remarkable collection such as the work of the recently deceased master. His creations will make history..." (see: Roberto Polo, "Un créateur inspire", Connaissance des Arts, no. 228, Paris, 2004, p. 8). It is believed that most of the collection was sold to George and Henri Pannier, owners of the elegant shop, l'Escalier de Cristal. The Pannier brothers produced altered versions of Lièvre's designs, including seven variants of Vieillard's Cabinet Japonais, one of which was sold to Grand Duke Vladimir of Russia and is now in the Hermitage, St Petersburg.