This precious pair of ormolu-mounted alabaster ewers is a superb example of the objets de luxe conceived for the French elite at the stylistic transition between the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI. Alluding with the rectilinear lines of its handles, gadrooned lip and large acanthus leaves to the early expressions of neoclassicism embodied by the goût grec, the lips of these ewers cast with lion masks and the floral swags adorning the alabaster bodies reflect the development of this style in the early reign of Louis XVI.

The employment of rich ormolu mounts to adorn costly alabaster was reserved for pieces and patrons of the greatest wealth and prestige, as evidenced by the celebrated collection of the duc d'Aumont. The desirability of alabaster and its suitability for the finest ormolu mounts is indicated by the inclusion of lot 7 in the duc d'Aumont's sale, a pair of ormolu-mounted alabaster vases with mounts by the great ciseleur-doreur Pierre Gouthière, sold Christie's, New York, 24 November 1998. A further Louis XVI ormolu-mounted alabaster vase of exceptional quality was sold from La Collection Ribes I; Sotheby's, Paris, 11 December 2019, lot 13.

Porcelain vases with related early Louis XVI mounts include a pair with Jacques Helft in 1975 as well as a pair with mounts of different motifs yet combining goût grec forms with masks and swags, sold Sotheby's Paris, 5 June 2015, lot 279. Other vases in the duc d'Aumont sale with related features to the present pair include lot 114 which had a mask (though in this case a satyr mask) to the lip.

THE PROVENANCE
This pair of ewers is listed in the sale of the marchand orfèvre, joaillier, and collector Jean Dubois on 18 December 1788, lot 139:

'139- Deux vases d’albâtre en forme de buyres; ils sont garnis de colets, anses & guirlandes de fleurs, avec pieds & culots en cuivre doré d’or moulu. Hauteur 13 pouces [35 cm.].'

A connoisseur and patron of contemporary French fine and decorative arts, there were two sales of Dubois's collection, one in 1784 and one, where these ewers were sold, in 1788.

The daughter of Robert and Nelly de Rothschild, Cécile de Rothschild was born in 1915 and developed the family taste for fine art, acquiring Cézanne's 'Les Baigneuses' at the age of 13. As her interest in modern pictures intensified, she also developed a love and understanding of decorative arts, particularly those of the Louis XVI period. Admired in social circles for her intelligence and profound knowledge of art, Cécile de Rothschild was a golfer of professional class, a refined gourmet, an expert gardener and a motorcar lover.