Ewer and Basin
- Date
- c.1740
- Material
- Silver
- made in
- Paris, Île-de-France region, France, Europe
- Classification
- Containers, metalwork
- Collection
- Decorative Arts and Design
- Current Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- ewer: 9 1/4 x 6 5/8 x 4 5/8 in. (23.5 x 16.8 x 11.7 cm)
basin: 2 11/16 x 13 x 8 7/16 in. (6.8 x 33 x 21.4 cm) - Credit Line
- Museum Purchase
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 96:1939a,b
NOTES
The beauty of this pitcher and its matching basin is in the skillful balance of curvilinear shapes and rich ornament. The taut scrolls that form the mouth and handle of the pitcher contrast with the flowing lines of the basin's rim. Bands of parallel grooves, called flutes, encircle the basin and the pitcher, where they also enclose curvaceous panels filled with engraved flowers. Cast foliage envelops the pierced handle, and shells and shell-like motifs ornament the lid. The ornament of shells, reeds, and cattails all evoke a water motif appropriate to the pitcher and basin's role on the dressing table, where they were used for hand washing.
Provenance
- 1939
Les Fils de Léon Helft, Paris, France [1]
1939 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Les Fils de Léon Helft through Arnold Seligmann, Rey & Co., Inc. (Paul Byk), New York, NY, USA [2]
Notes:
[1] Seventeen pieces of silver from Les Fils de Léon Helft were loaned to the Museum and delivered by Arnold Seligmann, Rey & Co., in April 1939 for an exhibition of French silver held in May 1939 [letter from Paul Byk of Arnold Seligmann, Rey & Co. dated March 13, 1939, SLAM document files; Registrar Log, Saint Louis Art Museum, listed as E1979]. In the exhibition objects list, the ewer and basin were listed as number 14, "Ewer & basin, by Jean Fauche, Paris, 1740." A note at the end of the list indicates that all pieces (except where noted) were lent by Les Fils de Léon Helft [City Art Museum of St. Louis Catalogues, Special Exhibitions 1937-1939].
[2] Arnold Seligmann, Rey & Co. invoice dated October 11, 1939 [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, October 5, 1939.
Les Fils de Léon Helft, Paris, France [1]
1939 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Les Fils de Léon Helft through Arnold Seligmann, Rey & Co., Inc. (Paul Byk), New York, NY, USA [2]
Notes:
[1] Seventeen pieces of silver from Les Fils de Léon Helft were loaned to the Museum and delivered by Arnold Seligmann, Rey & Co., in April 1939 for an exhibition of French silver held in May 1939 [letter from Paul Byk of Arnold Seligmann, Rey & Co. dated March 13, 1939, SLAM document files; Registrar Log, Saint Louis Art Museum, listed as E1979]. In the exhibition objects list, the ewer and basin were listed as number 14, "Ewer & basin, by Jean Fauche, Paris, 1740." A note at the end of the list indicates that all pieces (except where noted) were lent by Les Fils de Léon Helft [City Art Museum of St. Louis Catalogues, Special Exhibitions 1937-1939].
[2] Arnold Seligmann, Rey & Co. invoice dated October 11, 1939 [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, October 5, 1939.
We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.