F. Levillain Large Antique Torch Holder Statue (h: 1 M 55)

Important neoclassical Empire style statue with the figure of a woman in the Antique, work from the Napoleon III period signed F. LEVILLAIN (*Ferdinand Levillain 1837-1905 famous 19th century sculptor he worked in collaboration with the founder F.Barbedienne). Important structure forming a torchiere holder in bronze, metal and carved wood. Good general condition, dimensions: 1.55 m high x 50 cm wide. Elegant neoclassical decor featuring a full-length vestal supporting a Greek kylix covered with vine branches extending into a Medici-shaped cantharus topped with a circular top. The lower part rests on three lion claw feet connected to a wooden pedestal finely carved with gadrooned projections and incised with neo-Greek motifs. This set constitutes a perfect testimony to the alliance of art and industry of the second part of the 19th century at the time of the great Universal Exhibitions, in the tradition of the furniture of the Pompeian House, built by the architect Normand for Prince Jérôme Napoléon. Note that a pedestal table by F.Levillain identical to this caryatid figure was estimated: €8,000-10,000 during a prestigious sale at Me Massol on Friday March 6, 2009 Room 5 - Drouot-Richelieu - 9, rue Drouot 75009 Paris. *Ferdinand Levillain is an ornamental artist, sculptor and medalist who is inspired by antique scenes and models. In particular, he designed numerous bowls, bowls, vases and lighting fixtures. Ferdinand Levillain was taught by the sculptor Jouffroy (1806-1882), before making his debut in 1861 at the Salon des Artistes Français, where he exhibited until 1903. At the Universal Exhibition of 1867 in Paris, he stood out for having made a bronze cup in the Greek Revival style. However, it was from 1871 that Levillain became famous, thanks to his association with the famous bronze maker Ferdinand Barbedienne. From then on, he exhibited lamps, cups, amphorae and other candelabra created in the Greek style on his stands. Levillain had a triumph at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1878, unanimously winning a Gold medal for his works in the antique style. After receiving a 1st class medal at the Salon of 1884 for a cup entitled “The Elements, the Months and the Seasons”, he won a Silver medal at the Universal Exhibition of 1889. Several works by Ferdainand. Levillain are in the collections of the Musée d'Orsay.