Pair Of Neoclassical Silver Vegetable Dishes, Paris 1798-1809 By Sébastien Dupezard

An elegant pair of neoclassical silver and gilt silver vegetable dishes, Paris, Directoire – First Empire, between 1798 and 1809. Maker: Sébastien Dupezard.

A magnificent pair of small vegetable dishes, or serving tureens, made in Paris between 1798 and 1809 by the silversmith Sébastien Dupezard. Perfectly balanced in form and resolutely neoclassical in character, both pieces feature an elliptical bowl entirely in gilt silver. The sides are adorned with elegant silver motifs depicting vine leaves and bunches of grapes arranged in garlands, iconographic motifs closely associated with abundance and Bacchic symbols characteristic of late 18th-century taste. At the ends, the garlands converge towards vigorous, finely chased, relief-carved masks of Bacchus, which form the ends of the handles. The lids, with their elegant, domed lines, are topped with pineapple-shaped finials resting on a leafy mound. The bowls rise on imposing flared bases, adorned with chased borders of ovoid motifs, circular beads, and small lanceolate leaves, and supported by four zoomorphic feet in the form of lion heads, modeled with remarkable naturalism. The gilding of the bowls creates a refined chromatic contrast with the brilliance of the silver, emphasizing the luxurious purpose of the service and lending the whole a ceremonial character.
Both the lid and the base bear a small cartouche engraved with the monogram "AV," possibly the initials of the former owner.

Weight: 3,246 g.
Maximum dimensions: 27 x 28 cm.