As with the incense bowl nearby, we here have an object that is likely to have decorated a princely table, either in the centre or in pairs at either end. Since the openwork basket once contained a flower arrangement, it can be called a jardinière (from the French for ‘gardener’). Such vessels could take many forms: bowls, tubs, vases or goblets. There was also a considerable range in terms of their dimensions, materials and decorative elements.
The present jardinière is dominated by the winged sphinxes that support the flower basket. They are comparable to those found in the incense bowl and reminiscent of the culture of Ancient Egypt, which had been inspiring the arts and crafts since Napoleon’s expedition. Both objects rest on a triangular pedestal with bevelled corners, curved edges and leaf friezes. Furthermore, they are distinguished by the alternation of patinated and fire-gilded surfaces.
It is tempting to attribute both centrepieces to the Parisian workshop of Pierre-Philippe Thomire, but the quality of the execution of the jardinière suggests a Viennese production. The court artists there were very much aware of French models, which had been widely disseminated, including in related publications. It has not been possible to attribute the present object to a specific bronze sculptor.
Text: Alexander Röstel