After the original 18th century garden vases, entitled Autumn, by Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, this pair of large cast garden vases are in the classic krater form. A sprawling scene with mascarons, rams’ heads, and grapevines are set between egg and dart molding and gadrooned lobes. Made with a mixture of crushed stone and cement (known as reconstituted stone), the tall vases were imbued with a cream coloring agent during the casting process. Each vase is supported by a thick rectangular plinth beneath a tapering neck adorned with geometric motifs and Vitruvian waves filled with flowers. These impressive garden vases will make a wonderful statement, inside or outdoors.
Originally part of a set of four vases depicting the seasons of Autumn and Spring, which were designed for the Chateau de Choisy by Ange-Jacques Gabriel. The set was never sent to Choisy, with Autumn being gifted to the Marquis de Marigny by Louis XV, before finding a permanent home at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. One of the Autumn vases was carved by Nicolas-Sebastien Adam, but it is very similar to the vase by Pigalle.
Approximate weight: 760 lbs each.
CONDITION: Good condition with minor nicks and chips, color variations as seen in photos.