Vase (vase cuir) (one of a pair)

Figural decoration based on sculptures by Etienne-Maurice Falconet French

ca. 1765–70

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 529

The curious form of these vases was inspired by pilgrim flasks made of leather-encase gourds intended for carrying water. The modeling realistically creates the impression of cut leather panels laced together, enclosing an inner container. The painted decoration makes no reference, however, to the function of the pilgrim flasks; the figures of Cupid and Psyche are based on popular sculptures by Etienne-Maurice Falconet (1716–1791).

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Vase (vase cuir) (one of a pair)
Manufactory: Sèvres Manufactory (French, 1740–present)
Artist: Figural decoration based on sculptures by Etienne-Maurice Falconet (French, Paris 1716–1791 Paris)
Date: ca. 1765–70
Culture: French, Sèvres
Medium: Soft-paste porcelain, gilt bronze
Dimensions: vase only: 16 3/8 × 8 3/4 in. (41.6 × 22.2 cm)
vase on gilt bronze base: 18 7/8 in. (47.9 cm)
Classification: Ceramics-Porcelain
Credit Line: The Jules Bache Collection, 1949
Object Number: 49.7.78a–c
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

More Artwork

Cupid ("L'Amour Falconet"), Sèvres Manufactory French, Figure: soft-paste biscuit porcelain; base: glazed porcelain, enameled and gilt, French, Sèvres — Cupid ("L'Amour Falconet")
Manufactory Sèvres Manufactory
Modeler After a model by Etienne-Maurice Falconet
ca. 1758–66

Psyche ("La Nymphe Falconet"), Sèvres Manufactory French, Figure: soft-paste biscuit porcelain; base: glazed porcelain, enameled and gilt, French, Sèvres — Psyche ("La Nymphe Falconet")
Manufactory Sèvres Manufactory
Modeler After a model by Etienne-Maurice Falconet
1766–73

Bather, Etienne-Maurice Falconet French, Marble, French, Paris — Bather
Manner of Etienne-Maurice Falconet
ca. 1770–80

Nymph (Spring) (one of a pair), Marble, French — Nymph (Spring) (one of a pair)
French
ca. 1770–80

Seated girl, Etienne-Maurice Falconet French, Gilt bronze, dark wood, French — Seated girl
After a model by Etienne-Maurice Falconet
ca. 1788

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