A beautiful and finely sculpted pair of antique French decorative vases, signed by Léopold Oudry and bearing the Oudin Marseille foundry mark. These lovely vessels showcase the sophisticated mixed-metal artistry and classical ornamentation associated with late 19th century French decorative metalwork.
Each vase is beautifully formed with a flared gilt bronze rim rising above a richly ornamented body executed in silvered and copper-toned relief over a darker patinated ground. The sculptural surfaces display elaborate scrolling acanthus foliage, rosettes, classical shields, and ornamental cartouches, creating a dynamic composition inspired by Louis XVI and Empire revival aesthetics.
Prominent gilt bronze scroll handles terminating in floral medallions flank the bodies, adding both elegance and architectural balance. The vases stand upon gilt bronze stepped bases mounted to square plinths, which are clearly stamped:
“OUDIN MARSEILLE”
The bodies are also signed “L. Oudry” (Léopold Oudry) within the decorative motif as seen in pictures.
The striking combination of gilt bronze, silvered metal, and copper highlights accentuates the intricate modeling and lends the pieces a dramatic depth and visual richness typical of high-quality French decorative works from the period.
Designer: Léopold Oudry (signed on body)
Foundry: Oudin, Marseille (stamped on base)
Origin: France
Period: Late 19th Century
Height: 8.75 in (22.2 cm)
Width: 3.75 in (9.5 cm)
Depth: 3.75 in (9.5 cm)
Very good antique condition with attractive age-appropriate patina and some surface wear consistent with age and handling. The varied metal finishes retain excellent definition, highlighting the exceptional detail of the casting.
Signed works associated with Léopold Oudry and the Oudin Marseille foundry are admired for their refined sculptural detail and classical decorative influence, making this elegant pair ideal for collectors of fine French decorative arts or historicist metalwork.
Léopold Oudry (active mid-19th century, d. 1882) was a French artist, chemist, and pioneering founder in Paris known for electroplating (galvanizing) art pieces to prevent oxidation. He founded his workshop in 1854, specialized in copper-plated, gilt, and silvered bronze decorative arts, and received medals at the 1855 and 1878 Universal Expositions.
A beautiful and finely sculpted pair of antique French decorative vases, signed by Léopold Oudry and bearing the Oudin Marseille foundry mark. These lovely vessels showcase the sophisticated mixed-metal artistry and classical ornamentation associated with late 19th century French decorative metalwork.
Each vase is beautifully formed with a flared gilt bronze rim rising above a richly ornamented body executed in silvered and copper-toned relief over a darker patinated ground. The sculptural surfaces display elaborate scrolling acanthus foliage, rosettes, classical shields, and ornamental cartouches, creating a dynamic composition inspired by Louis XVI and Empire revival aesthetics.
Prominent gilt bronze scroll handles terminating in floral medallions flank the bodies, adding both elegance and architectural balance. The vases stand upon gilt bronze stepped bases mounted to square plinths, which are clearly stamped:
“OUDIN MARSEILLE”
The bodies are also signed “L. Oudry” (Léopold Oudry) within the decorative motif as seen in pictures.
The striking combination of gilt bronze, silvered metal, and copper highlights accentuates the intricate modeling and lends the pieces a dramatic depth and visual richness typical of high-quality French decorative works from the period.
Designer: Léopold Oudry (signed on body)
Foundry: Oudin, Marseille (stamped on base)
Origin: France
Period: Late 19th Century
Height: 8.75 in (22.2 cm)
Width: 3.75 in (9.5 cm)
Depth: 3.75 in (9.5 cm)
Very good antique condition with attractive age-appropriate patina and some surface wear consistent with age and handling. The varied metal finishes retain excellent definition, highlighting the exceptional detail of the casting.
Signed works associated with Léopold Oudry and the Oudin Marseille foundry are admired for their refined sculptural detail and classical decorative influence, making this elegant pair ideal for collectors of fine French decorative arts or historicist metalwork.
Léopold Oudry (active mid-19th century, d. 1882) was a French artist, chemist, and pioneering founder in Paris known for electroplating (galvanizing) art pieces to prevent oxidation. He founded his workshop in 1854, specialized in copper-plated, gilt, and silvered bronze decorative arts, and received medals at the 1855 and 1878 Universal Expositions.
