Large pair of Sèvres-style Napoleonic vases with ormolu mounts

Large pair of Sèvres-style Napoleonic vases with ormolu mounts
French, Late 19th Century
Height 148cm, diameter 48cm
 
Of inverted ovoid form, these Sèvres-style vases combine elegant gilt detailing with painted scenes. The tapering bodies are painted with continuous scenes of Napoleon and his troops, allowing the vases to be viewed from all angles. Napoleon is depicted on horseback (as is typical for objects of this type), wearing a green riding jacket. The paintings are supremely executed, and are each signed by the artist ‘H. Desprez’.
 
The elegant, waisted necks sport the ‘bleu lapis’ (navy) ground typical of Sèvres-style vases. The necks are also applied with parcel gilt decoration, primarily a crowned French Imperial eagle that would have been found on Napoleon’s battle standards. The vases are capped by domed lids decorated with further gilt designs, and surmounted by an ormolu pinecone finial.
 
The splayed feet are of a similar design, here decorated with parcel-gilt flaming winged torches. Each vase stands on a canted gilt-bronze plinth, applied with crests, rosettes, and beading.
 
The vases are signed to the underside ‘M. Imple de Sevres’.
 
Of fine quality, this pair is ideal for any collector of Napoleonic antiques.