designed by LOUIS CONSTANT SÉVIN, manufactured c. 1880 by FERDINAND BARBEDIENNE, bronzes by DÉSIRÉ ATTARGE, enamel work by CLAUDIUS POPELIN, red marble body in vase form with silver-plated bronze handles in the form of winged caryatids, central enamelled portrait rondel of a lady in side view, with the signature CLAUDIUS POPELIN, on a high arched floral bronze base and moulded marble plinth, removable lid, floral ornamental application, height c. 92 cm, some cracking to the enamel and missing parts in the rondel, cleaned and restored condition. (DOC)

In terms of creativity and quality, this vase brings together the best artists of its time: the bronze founder Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892), the designer Louis-Constant Sévin (1821-1888), the chaser Désiré Attarge (1820-1878) and the enameller Claudius Popelin (1825-1892). Stylistically, this collaborative work can be described as ‘eclecticist’, combining Renaissance motifs (enamel work in the Limoges style) with antique Etruscan decoration (handles and applications). From the middle of the 19th century onwards, the bronze founder Ferdinand Barbedienne brought together the most renowned artists and craftsmen, who together shaped the identity of the Maison Barbedienne.
This vase was probably displayed at the Paris World’s Fair in 1867; in the catalogue "Exhibition Catalogue 1862-67-71-72" the enclosed design appears in connection with a large table lamp.
In the collection of John T. Martin, a US magnate who made a fortune during the American Civil War (Secession War) 1861-1865, there is a photograph from 1909 at his New York home address, where this vase model can be seen on a column pedestal. The collection was sold in 1909.