Pair Of Porcelain Vases With Neoclassical Decoration Inspired By Wedgwood Reliefs, Circa 1890

Pair of porcelain vases from the Henri Ardant factory in Limoges
Neoclassical decoration inspired by Wedgwood reliefs based on designs by John Flaxman
Circa 1890

Pair of porcelain vases from the Henri Ardant factory in Limoges, resting on a pedestal and featuring two side handles with beaded decoration. The ivory-colored background is embellished with gilded fillets and polychrome frames inspired by the Louis XVI style.

Each vase features a large sky-blue rectangular panel adorned with a white grisaille relief imitating the famous jasper plaques of the English Wedgwood factory.

The first panel depicts Venus accompanied by two Cupids, in an allegorical scene evoking the triumph of Love. The goddess, draped in the classical style, extends her veil toward a Cupid standing on a pedestal, while a second Cupid accompanies her, holding a torch. This composition belongs to the repertoire of The Games of Venus and the Cupids popularized in the late 18th century.

The second panel depicts an offering to Love, in which a young woman in ancient attire performs a sacrifice before an altar, under the gaze of Cupid. The composition draws direct inspiration from the famous reliefs by John Flaxman created for Wedgwood, particularly the series Sacrifices to Hymen, one of the great successes of English Neoclassicism.

The set illustrates the archaeological taste of the Belle Époque, when the Limoges porcelain manufacturers adapted Wedgwood’s iconic designs into luxury porcelain.

Manufactured by Henri Ardant, Limoges.

Height: 26 cm.

In very good condition. Gilding well preserved. Slight signs of wear.

An elegant decorative pair combining the refinement of Limoges porcelain with the neoclassical aesthetic inherited from antiquity, in the spirit of the creations of Wedgwood and John Flaxman.