{"title":"7.26 The Oddyssey Edit","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"italian-panel-of-orpheus-and-eurydice","title":"Italian Panel of Orpheus and Eurydice","description":"Greek mythology comes to life in this extraordinary gouache and oil on canvas. The exceptionally rare work likely depicts the tragic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Orpheus, a legendary great hero renowned for his musical skills, was the son of the Thracian king Oeagrus and the Muse Calliope, the patron of epic poetry. According to legend, Orpheus was gifted his first lyre by the god Apollo, who was impressed by his superhuman musical talents.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe tale for which Orpheus is best remembered, however, is the one likely depicted in this panel, wherein he rescued his wife, Eurydice, from the underworld. On the day of her wedding, Eurydice was set upon by a satyr, and in her efforts to escape, she was bitten by a snake. Overcome by grief, Orpheus traveled to the underworld with his lyre in order to appeal to Hades and Persephone to return his wife. Hearts softened by his song, they agreed to allow Eurydice to return to earth, on the condition that he not turn to look at her until they escaped the underworld. Tragically, Orpheus was unable to comply with this condition - he turned back to catch a glimpse of her, and his wife vanished forever.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nOne of the most popular of the Greek myths, Orpheus' story is brilliantly recreated in this gouache and oil on canvas, which captured the musician as he plays for the god and goddess of the underworld. Likely once displayed in the music room of an Italian villa, it is an exceptional example of its genre.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCirca 1800\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCanvas: 31 1\/2\" high x 48\" wide\u003cbr\u003e\nFrame: 52 1\/4\" wide x 36\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43672837390471,"sku":"30-9010","price":24500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-9010_1_42c3eaca-8071-43c3-bdee-516c992787fa.png?v=1769761361"},{"product_id":"wedgwood-tri-colored-jasper-vase","title":"Wedgwood Tri-Colored Jasper Vase","description":"This exceptional and rare Wedgwood tri-colored jasper vase exemplifies that renowned firm’s classical artistry. Crafted of jasper, perhaps the greatest of Josiah Wedgwood’s porcelain innovations, in the shape of an ancient Greek calyx krater vase, the white ground vessel is adorned with applied lilac and green relief medallions, floral festoons upheld by ram’s heads, and intricate foliate accents, including an olive branch border and palm details.\n \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n Jasperware is one of Wedgwood's crowning achievements, and is highly acclaimed for revolutionizing ceramic art. Tri-toned specimens are found much less frequently, and are eagerly sought by collectors.\n \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n Impress mark “WEDGWOOD”\n \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n Circa 1900\n \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n 8 3\/4” high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41239097245831,"sku":"29-9366","price":3450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/29-9366_1_eda5ccbc-cdb8-4d9c-a86d-3a53e20a708a.png?v=1712738455"},{"product_id":"victorian-parcel-gilt-vase-by-d-c-houle","title":"Victorian Parcel Gilt Vase by D \u0026 C Houle","description":"  This exceptional Victorian parcel-gilt silver vase by Daniel and Charles Houle depicts scenes from the Greek fable the Judgment of Paris, in which Trojan youth Paris chooses Aphrodite as the fairest goddess resulting in a tragic consequence, the Trojan War. Appropriately crafted in the shape of a Greek amphora, this vase’s intricately engraved figures stand out against the soft gold background, while classical Greek accents, such as a large anthemion and Greek key and rolling wave border frame their mythic proceedings. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The sons of noted silversmith John Houle, Daniel and Charles Houle first went into business with their father for a year in 1844. Maintaining their joint partnership for 40 years, the brothers supplied high-quality silver articles in a large variety of styles to a number of retailers. Some of their finest work included exquisite items boasting gold inlay and parcel-gilding such as this magnificent urn. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hallmarked London, 1868 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 22 ½” high \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 156.25 Troy ounces","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42552764956807,"sku":"29-8986","price":68500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/29-8986_1.png?v=1744212428"},{"product_id":"tomb-of-the-scipios-grand-tour-souvenir","title":"Tomb of the Scipios Grand Tour Souvenir ","description":"This incredible Grand Tour inkwell relic takes the form of the ancient Tomb of the Scipios, a family of Roman war heroes and generals. Beautifully carved entirely of Siena marble, the inkwell's design is masterful and precise to the original monument, even down to the inscription. Simply remove the lid to reveal a pair of ink wells and a pen holder. The Tomb of the Scipios was erected around 150 B.C.E. Widely copied many times and produced as a model along with other ancient monuments, it was a particular favorite of those on the Grand Tour in the 18th and 19th century when such models were purchased as souvenirs.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCirca 1880\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n8\" wide x 2 1\/4\" deep x 4 1\/4\" high \n ","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43873354121351,"sku":"30-4919","price":14500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-4919_1.png?v=1770665368"},{"product_id":"silver-gilt-portland-vase-by-elkington-co","title":"Silver Gilt Portland Vase by Elkington \u0026 Co.","description":"This magnificent silver-gilt Portland vase was crafted by the pioneering silversmithing firm of Elkington \u0026amp; Co. The iconic classical scenes are chased upon a textured background with the utmost precision and are strikingly accurate to the original antiquity. Known primarily for their electroplate wares, sterling silver crafted by Elkington \u0026amp; Co. is a precious find, especially one of the quality and form of this Portland vase. The vase is hallmarked near the rim by Elkington \u0026amp; Co. The base is stamped “Elkington \u0026amp; Co. Ltd. 22 Regent St. London.”  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The original Portland Vase, which resides in the British Museum of Art, is the most famous cameo glass vessel from Roman antiquity. In the late 18th century, Josiah Wedgwood received the vase from the Duke of Portland and began to create his famed jasper versions. According to the British Museum, the relief scene is most likely a mythological theme of love and marriage, and it is believed that the original Roman vase may have been created \nas a wedding gift.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 9 3\/4” high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42578025939079,"sku":"29-6403","price":34500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/29-6403_1.png?v=1746450326"},{"product_id":"italian-panel-of-eurydice-with-naiads","title":"Italian Panel of Eurydice with Naiads","description":"A fascinating tale from Greek mythology is revealed in this extraordinary gouache and oil on canvas. The rare Italian painting is believed to depict a scene from the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. One of the most tragic figures in Greek mythology, the nymph Eurydice was one of the daughters of the god Apollo. According to legend, she wed Orpheus, the legendary musician and hero who was the son of the Muse Calliope. She is captured here on the day of her wedding, joyfully dancing with the naiads in a vast field, though their severe expressions reveal the tragedy that is about to befall her.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nShortly after Eurydice's dance with the naiads, she was set upon by a satyr; in her efforts to escape, she was bitten on the foot by a poisonous snake and died. Overcome by grief, Orpheus traveled to the underworld with his lyre in order to appeal to Hades and Persephone to return his wife. Hearts softened by his song, they agreed to allow Eurydice to return to earth, on the condition that he not turn to look at her until they escaped the underworld. Tragically, Orpheus was unable to comply with this condition - he turned back to catch a glimpse of her, and his wife vanished forever.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nOne of the most popular of the Greek myths, Orpheus and Eurydice's story is brilliantly recreated in this gouache and oil on canvas. Likely once displayed in the music room of an Italian villa, it is an exceptional example of its genre.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCirca 1800\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCanvas: 31 1\/2\" high x 48\" wide\u003cbr\u003e\nFrame: 52 1\/4\" wide x 36\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43672837718151,"sku":"30-9079","price":24500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-9079_1_02dd6ff8-363a-40cb-92e8-9d58b3056928.png?v=1769758608"},{"product_id":"italian-panel-with-satyr-and-nymphs","title":"Italian Panel with Satyr and Nymphs","description":"This extraordinary Italian gouache and oil on canvas brings two of the most popular characters from Greek mythology vividly the life - the nymph and the satyr. Both creatures are famed for their carefree natures and lascivious temperaments, and tales abound of satyrs pursing nubile nymphs in order to rape or seduce them, usually with little success. One such narrative humorously unfolds in the present piece, which depicts an indignant satyr captured by three nymphs with a golden net.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe relationship between these two mythological creatures was a popular one for artists throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, though its origins stretch back to antiquity. Both satyrs and nymphs were commonly found on ancient Greek pottery, which inspired later Italian revivals such as the present piece. A similar scene was also captured by the great William-Adolphe Bouguereau in his 1873 masterpiece \u003cem\u003eNymphs and Satyr\u003c\/em\u003e, wherein a group of nymphs is surprised by a lascivious satyr while bathing.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAmong the most popular of the Greek mythological characters, the satyr and nymph are brilliantly recreated in this gouache and oil on canvas. Likely once displayed in the music room of an Italian villa, it is an exceptional example of its genre.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCirca 1800\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCanvas: 31 1\/2\" high x 48\" wide\u003cbr\u003e\nFrame: 52 1\/4\" wide x 36\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43672837816455,"sku":"30-9080","price":24500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-9080_1_b17db1e6-ef9e-4862-92da-dea817279415.png?v=1769758555"},{"product_id":"the-abduction-of-europa-by-hermann-haase-ilsenburg","title":"The Abduction of Europa by Hermann Haase-Ilsenburg","description":"A poignant work of extraordinary artistry, this bronze figure captures the mythical tale of Europa, the beautiful Phoenician princess who was kidnapped by the king of the Olympian gods, Zeus. Among the most well-known stories from mythology and a favorite subject of artists in every medium, the story of Europa is beautifully translated here by sculptor Hermann Haase-Ilsenburg in the early Art Deco style.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDeveloping from the organic, natural forms of the Art Nouveau style that dominated the preceding decades, Haase-Ilsenburg’s work exemplifies the shift towards the symmetry and simplification of the more streamlined Art Deco. The overall graceful, clean lines of the piece mirror the ideals of the emergent style, while its relative simplicity makes it all the more emotionally compelling. The figures are delicately balanced, with Europa’s slumped figure mirroring the heavy, sloping horns of her steed. Haase-Ilsenburg flawlessly infuses a sense of humanity into his classical subject, all while merging the ancient myth with a new iconography.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDrawn from Greek mythology, the story of Europa is among the most enduring stories of Zeus’ numerous amorous pursuits. The daughter of a Phoenician king, Europa was renowned for her beauty, which eventually inspired the love of the Olympian god. Taking the form of a bull, Zeus kidnapped the young princess and carried her to the island of Crete, where she bore him three sons, including Minos, the future King of Crete. Europa eventually gave her name to the continent of Europe, and even today an image of Europa and the bull graces the Euro coin. Widely interpreted by artists for centuries, this myth comes to life in this exquisite bronze.\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCirca 1910\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSigned “HHaase” (on base)\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n23 1\/2\" high x 17\" wide x 8\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41238079438983,"sku":"30-6243","price":18850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/30-6243_1.png?v=1717921378"},{"product_id":"perseus-by-ubaldo-gandolfi","title":"Perseus by Ubaldo Gandolfi","description":"Ubaldo Gandolfi\u003cbr\u003e 1728-1781 | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003ePerseus\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Terracotta \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The legendary Greek god Perseus is the subject of this elegant half-bust by Ubaldo Gandolfi, a major painter and sculptor from Bologna. The son of Zeus and Danaë, Perseus was the legendary founder of Mycenae and the Perseid dynasty, best remembered as the hero who vanquished the Gorgon Medusa. He is depicted here donning the Helmet of Hades (also known as the Cap of Invisibility), which was gifted to him by Athena to aid him in his quest to defeat the snake-haired Medusa and escape her sister. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Formed from terracotta, the bust is a significant work from this artist who worked primarily as a painter. Because Bologna lacks marble quarries, artists from the region worked in more readily available materials such as clay and terracotta. Giuseppe Mazza and Angelo Pìo, along with Gandolfi himself, excelled in the medium, creating highly detailed works from the moldable material. Other works in terracotta by the artist can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) and the church of San Giovanni (Monte, Bologna). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mid-18th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 15 1\/2\" high x 8 1\/2\" wide x 6\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43316892008583,"sku":"31-2772","price":34500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-2772_1_b8a0c10b-6ad2-40d1-b96e-eeb66eff1f2c.png?v=1760369249"},{"product_id":"a-pompeian-lady-by-john-william-godward","title":"A Pompeian Lady by John William Godward","description":"John William Godward\u003cbr\u003e 1861-1922 | British \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eA Pompeian Lady\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed and dated \"J.W. Godward 1904\" (lower right, partially covered by frame)\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e One of the last and greatest Victorian neoclassical painters, John William Godward is celebrated for his flawlessly executed images of graceful women posed in idealized ancient settings. In this work, entitled \u003cem\u003eA Pompeian Lady\u003c\/em\u003e, a classical beauty is caught idling in a moment of quiet, solitary reflection. Godward's elegant subjects are depicted with a degree of technical mastery that remains unsurpassed, and the work's dramatic palette, luxurious fabrics and classical vision are all characteristics of his unique take on the neoclassical style. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Godward was unmatched in terms of his technical skill and attention to detail. A master of contrasting textures, he paints a diaphanous gown draping against the model’s smooth, milky white skin, which sits against the painstakingly rendered individual hairs of a tiger’s pelt. Scintillating color permeates the canvas as well, energizing the otherwise static scene. Each element is given careful attention, and the overall effect is one of both immaculate technique and sensual tactility. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Along with his contemporary and mentor, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Godward set the tone for the Victorian neoclassicist movement. He built his career upon creating images of idealized feminine beauty infused with a Greco-Roman-inspired style. Though greatly influenced by Alma-Tadema, Godward distinguished himself through his predilection for the solitary female figure. His fame rose dramatically in the first few years of the 20th century, when the present work was completed, due to the burgeoning strength of the British Empire and the Victorian society’s preoccupation with ancient Rome. To many of the newly affluent, Roman society was, as Iain Gale writes, “a flawless mirror of their own immaculate world.” The sensuality and mystery of Godward’s maidens, combined with his impressive antique backdrops, was a direct reflection of this pervasive view. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Godward debuted at London’s Royal Academy exhibition in 1887 at the age of only 26. Having fallen under the influence of British Neoclassical Revivalists Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Lord Frederic Leighton and Sir Edward John Poynter, Godward quickly adopted, if not rivaled, their style. He envisioned similar scenes of the ancient world, seamlessly blending antiquity and beauty in breathtaking compositions and attracting fans across Europe. In 1889, he was elected to the Royal Society of British Artists, and, ten years later, Godward debuted at the Paris Salon, where again he was heaped with critical praise. However, the 20th century brought rapid artistic change, and he was faced with the painful reality that the classical world he loved was being overshadowed by modern art movements. His devotion to the classics never waned, and he moved to Rome in 1912 to surround himself with the physical remnants of the classical world, where he stayed for the major part of his remaining career. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dated 1904 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 25“ diameter (63.5 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 45 3\/4” high x 44 3\/8” wide (116.21 x 112.71 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rau-sfimages.s3.amazonaws.com\/dossier\/Dossier_31-3739.pdf%20target=\" new\u003e\u003cb\u003eView the Dossier\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This painting was exhibited at The European Fine Art Fair. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Thomas McLean, art dealer, London, 1904\u003cbr\u003e Purchased by Sir Alfred Bird, Tudor Grange Solihull\u003cbr\u003e Cooling Galleries, London and Toronto, Canada\u003cbr\u003e The collection of Maurice and Louella Brown, Toronto and Calgary, Canada\u003cbr\u003e By descent to Keith C. Brown and L. Joan Brown, Calgary, Alberta, 1982\u003cbr\u003e Hodgin’s Art Auctions, Calgary\u003cbr\u003e Fred and Sherry Ross, New Vernon, New Jersey\u003cbr\u003e Sotheby’s, New York\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, New Orleans\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e J.W. Godward: The Eclipse of Classicism, 2018, Vern Swanson, page 290, no.12 (illustrated) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibited:\u003cbr\u003e Thomas McLean Gallery, London, 1904","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44050790613127,"sku":"31-3739","price":1250000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-3739_1_96367abf-d12d-4f22-9c18-fc2d4b326df3.png?v=1774967315"},{"product_id":"clio-by-studio-of-romanelli","title":"Clio by Studio of Romanelli","description":"Studio of Raffaello Romanelli\u003cbr\u003e Early 20th Century | Italian \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eClio\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Inscribed \"Executé sous la Direction du Prof. Romanelli\" (on base)\u003cbr\u003e Marble \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Clio, the muse of history from Greek mythology, is the subject of this compelling neoclassical marble sculpture that hails from the studio of Raffaello Romanelli. Romanelli was the son of the celebrated Pasquale Romanelli, a collaborator of Lorenzo Bartolini who assumed control of his studio following the master's death. He was renowned for his marble studies of the female form, and both his masterful eye and studio were inherited by his son Raffaello. Where Raffaello differed from his father was in his use of multi-colored marbles, a design choice that is displayed in the present work, which was executed by a student in his atelier.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The stark, pure white of this Clio is perfectly complemented by her robes carved from Siena marble, lending texture and visual interest to her overall form. Her tablet is inscribed \"\u003cem\u003eHistoria non assentationi, sed fidei veritatique componitur. Pinius\u003c\/em\u003e,\" a quote from the letters of Pliny the Younger that roughly translates to \"History is written not for display but in the interests of strict truth.\" The quote was the perfect choice for the mythological figure, who was heralded as \"the Proclaimer\" of historical truths. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Early 20th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 22 1\/4\" wide x 15\" deep x 52 1\/8\" high\u003cbr\u003e Base: 23\" wide x 23\" deep x 27 1\/4\" high","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41238685614215,"sku":"31-3877","price":124500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-3877_1.png?v=1784908856"},{"product_id":"bronze-of-amphitrite-after-michel-anguier","title":"Bronze of Amphitrite after Michel Anguier","description":"After Michel Anguier \u003cbr\u003e French | 1612-1686 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eAmphitrite\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Bronze \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This remarkable bronze masterpiece was cast after a High Baroque masterwork by French sculptor Michel Anguier. After training under the famed masters Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Alessandro Algardi, Anguier developed a unique style that incorporated the theatricality of Bernini’s period-defining sculpture, balanced by Algardi’s somber realism. This bronze of Amphitrite, wife of Poseidon, comes from the sculptor's celebrated series depicting six gods and goddesses. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Anguier's sculptures brought heightened emotion to the legendary myths of ancient Greece. The sculptor imbued his representation of Amphitrite with tranquility — a perfect fit for the goddess of the sea. Her pose and delicately draped fabrics emphasize her feminine form. A lobster perches on her arm, and she is accompanied by a dolphin at her feet, Poseidon’s favored creature and an important figure in her myth. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The present work is cast in the same scale as the original mythological set conceived in 1652 by Anguier at a sizeable 26“ tall. The first recorded casting of this work is held in the Louvre in Paris, and a similar cast can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 17th century \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 26\" high by 7 1\/8\" wide by 7 1\/8\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41238992027783,"sku":"31-6065","price":78500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-6065_1.png?v=1712741663"},{"product_id":"ancient-roman-medusa-intaglio-earrings","title":"Ancient Roman Medusa Intaglio Earrings","description":"Displaying two carved Medusa gemstones over 1800 years old, these dangle earrings are exceptional examples of the ancient Roman intaglio technique. Paired with a 19th-century gold setting and accented by two additional Victorian cameos, these one-of-a-kind, museum-quality intaglio earrings remain a prized discovery, as coveted today as it would have been at their creation. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The art of intaglio, also known as gem carving, dates to as early as the 14th century B.C.E. and was practiced by ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia, Assyria, Phoenicia, and later in Greece and Rome. In fact, the gemstone intaglio was one of the most popular jewelry designs in ancient Rome, as Roman men of social standing commonly wore intaglio rings in order to mark wax seals. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Set in 22K gold \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 2“ length","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44568994152583,"sku":"31-6616","price":34500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-6616_1.png?v=1778116888"},{"product_id":"ancient-greek-dionysus-cameo-ring","title":"Ancient Greek Dionysus Cameo Ring","description":"This exceptionally rare and large ancient Greek sardonyx cameo dates to the late Hellenistic period, and features a carving of Dionysus, the god of wine and festivities. According to mythology, Dionysus is the son of Zeus and Semele. Associated with fertility, ecstasy, art and literature, the Dionysian festivals of ancient Greece included performances of tragedy and comedy. Though in early Greek art he was frequently depicted as a bearded man, his likeness on this ring is more consistent with later interpretations of the god, where he is youthful, virile and effeminate. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1st century BCE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Set in 14K yellow gold","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44568995397767,"sku":"31-7016","price":44500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-7016_1_88391b84-b6d5-4c43-8679-e3b6766f7132.png?v=1778116897"},{"product_id":"boucles-doreilles-en-corail-by-erte","title":"Boucles d'oreilles en corail by Erté","description":"Erté (Romain de Tirtoff)\u003cbr\u003e 1892-1990 | Russian-French \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eBoucles d'oreilles en corail\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e (\u003cem\u003eCoral Earrings\u003c\/em\u003e) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed “Erté” (lower right)\u003cbr\u003e Inscribed “n°3544 \/ Boucles d'oreilles en corail et tubes de cristal, 1937” (en verso) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Erté designed these bold and sophisticated coral and crystal earrings in 1937. Earrings of Art Deco period transitioned from the dangling designs of the Edwardian era to more streamlined and geometric forms, reflecting the movement’s aesthetic. They often incorporated bold combinations of gemstones and precious materials, juxtaposing vibrant colors with the luster of diamonds. Erté’s foray into jewelry design in the 1920s and 1930s showcased an extension of his unique and ornate style, mirroring the same luxurious and imaginative aesthetics found in his two-dimensional works. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Russian-French visionary Romain de Tirtoff (1892-1990), popularly known as Erté, began his artistic journey in the culturally rich city of St. Petersburg, where he developed an early fondness for ballet and theatrical performances. He moved to Paris in 1912 to study architecture, and quickly found his creative niche in crafting fantastical costumes for the city’s bustling nightlife. Erté‘s expertise, refined under the guidance of the famed Paul Poiret, captured the attention of Harper’s Bazaar, marking the beginning of a significant partnership that spanned from 1915 to 1936. The artist also designed sets for notable cinematic masterpieces including Ben Hur and La Bohème, and created sets and costumes for cabarets, operas and other performances at the Folies-Bergères, Bal Tabarin, the Théâtre du Bataclan and Le Casino de Paris. Erté was a trailblazer whose colorful creations shaped the groundbreaking Art Deco era more than any other, leaving an indelible mark on the history of art and design. His artworks reside in prestigious museum collections worldwide, including the the Victoria \u0026amp; Albert Museum in London and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Another example of this bold and timeless image from Erté, though less finished than this version, resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Painted 1937 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Paper: 14 1\/2“ high x 10 1\/2” wide\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 20 3\/4\" high x 16 7\/8\" wide x 3\/4\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Paris\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibitions:\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans, \u003cem\u003eErté and the Era of Art Deco\u003c\/em\u003e, October 14, 2023 - January 3, 2024","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44585920888967,"sku":"31-7601","price":24500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-7601_1.png?v=1778527416"},{"product_id":"eros-by-erte","title":"Eros by Erté","description":"Erté (Romain de Tirtoff)\u003cbr\u003e 1892-1990 | Russian-French \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eEros\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed “Erté” (lower right)\u003cbr\u003e Gouache and silver on paper \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Eros is historically portrayed as a mischievous, winged youth who induces love or desire in both mortals and deities. Erté‘s rendition of the Greek god draws from that very mythology. Armed with a quiver and bow, the boyish cherub floats above the ground in trousers formed of flowers. His multi-hued wings and vibrant tunic offer a fresh take on the classical tale. The blending of ancient Greek styles with modern fashion demonstrates the enduring influence of Classicism on Erté. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Thanks to the breadth of his cultural experiences, the Art Deco style that he came to pioneer included both Classicist and Orientalist influences, looking to both the glory of the ancient world and the allure of Eastern artistic traditions. Classicism embodied an enduring pursuit of harmony, proportion and idealized forms, drawn directly from ancient Greece and Rome. Perpetually revisited and adapted by successive generations of artists, the Art Deco movement interpreted this ancient legacy in a new way. For the tales of Hercules and Helen of Sparta reinterpreted on Parisian stages, Erté melded the iconic motifs of the ancient world with modern sensuality and style in his costuming and set design. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Russian-French visionary Romain de Tirtoff (1892-1990), popularly known as Erté, began his artistic journey in the culturally rich city of St. Petersburg, where he developed an early fondness for ballet and theatrical performances. He moved to Paris in 1912 to study architecture, and quickly found his creative niche in crafting fantastical costumes for the city’s bustling nightlife. Erté‘s expertise, refined under the guidance of the famed Paul Poiret, captured the attention of \u003cem\u003eHarper’s Bazaar\u003c\/em\u003e, marking the beginning of a significant partnership that spanned from 1915 to 1936. The artist also designed sets for notable cinematic masterpieces including \u003cem\u003eBen Hur\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eLa Bohème\u003c\/em\u003e and created sets and costumes for cabarets, operas and other performances at the Folies-Bergères, Bal Tabarin, the Théâtre du Bataclan and Le Casino de Paris. Erté was a trailblazer whose colorful creations shaped the groundbreaking Art Deco era more than any other, leaving an indelible mark on the history of art and design. His artworks reside in prestigious museum collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Victoria \u0026amp; Albert Museum in London and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Painted 1919 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Paper: 12\" high x 8 7\/8\" wide\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 19 1\/8\" high x 16\" wide x 5\/8\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Paris\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Exhibitions:\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans, \u003cem\u003eErté and the Era of Art Deco\u003c\/em\u003e, October 14, 2023 - January 3, 2024","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41902558052487,"sku":"31-7562","price":16850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-7562_1_ad9cce17-9ce6-4369-bb30-ad4aa775723b.png?v=1730882062"},{"product_id":"costume-a-lantique-by-erte","title":"Costume à l'Antique by Erté","description":"Erté (Romain de Tirtoff)\u003cbr\u003e 1892-1990 | Russian-French \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eCostume à l'Antique\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed “Erté” (lower right)\u003cbr\u003e Inscribed “N°16.152” (en verso) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Erté‘s design for \u003cem\u003eCostume à l'Antique\u003c\/em\u003e brings the glory of Classical antiquity into modern focus. His subject's thin brows and heavy-lidded eyes, rimmed with a cerulean hue that matches her Greco-Roman-inspired attire, imbue the image with an unmistakable modernity by emulating cosmetic trends of the Jazz Age. The artist also incorporates geometric patterns typically found in Greek pottery and places the woman against a dramatic, dark background to further heighten the image's graphic qualities. Painted circa 1928, \u003cem\u003eCostume à l'Antique\u003c\/em\u003e served as a manifestation of Erté's prowess in melding historical echoes with contemporary sensibilities in a way that pushed the Art Deco style to new heights. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Russian-French visionary Romain de Tirtoff (1892-1990), popularly known as Erté, began his artistic journey in the culturally rich city of St. Petersburg, where he developed an early fondness for ballet and theatrical performances. He moved to Paris in 1912 to study architecture, and quickly found his creative niche in crafting fantastical costumes for the city’s bustling nightlife. Erté's expertise, refined under the guidance of the famed Paul Poiret, captured the attention of Harper’s Bazaar, marking the beginning of a significant partnership that spanned from 1915 to 1936. The artist also designed sets for notable cinematic masterpieces including \u003cem\u003eBen Hur\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eLa Bohème\u003c\/em\u003e, and created sets and costumes for cabarets, operas and other performances at the Folies-Bergères, Bal Tabarin, the Théâtre du Bataclan and Le Casino de Paris. Erté was a trailblazer whose colorful creations shaped the groundbreaking Art Deco era more than any other, leaving an indelible mark on the history of art and design. His artworks reside in prestigious museum collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Victoria \u0026amp; Albert Museum in London and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Painted 1928 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Paper: 14 1\/2\" high x 10 3\/4\" wide\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 20 3\/4\" high x 16 5\/8\" wide x 5\/8\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Paris\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40679910441095,"sku":"31-7588","price":29500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-7588_1_6946cfdb-7996-4643-8675-d59aee215e60.png?v=1784818869"},{"product_id":"roman-carnelian-intaglio-ring-featuring-ceres","title":"Roman Carnelian Intaglio Ring Featuring Ceres","description":"Exceptionally rare and dating back to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, the carved carnelian gemstone at the center of this ring originates from the Roman Empire. It displays a rich red hue and features an intricate intaglio carving of Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, grain crops, fertility and motherly relationships. This historic ring exudes the grandeur of late antiquity and serves as a symbol of rebirth, growth and motherhood. The millennia-old crimson carnelian is beautifully set into a high-carat yellow gold mounting. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gem carving, known as intaglio, is an ancient art form that traces its origins to the 14th century BCE. Practiced by early civilizations in Mesopotamia, Assyria and Phoenicia, it later flourished in Greece and Rome, though the intricate techniques of intaglio carving required years of dedicated practice. In ancient Rome, gemstone intaglios were especially popular and highly prized. Roman men of high social status often wore intaglio rings, using them to imprint their seals on wax. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 2nd-3rd century CE","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43875329933447,"sku":"31-9413","price":14500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-9413_1_3fa4afeb-0b86-474c-8ea6-e224ad34fb40.png?v=1772361312"},{"product_id":"roman-jupiter-and-victoria-carnelian-intaglio-ring","title":"Roman Jupiter and Victoria Carnelian Intaglio Ring","description":"Exceptionally rare and dating back to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, the carved carnelian gemstone at the center of this ring originates from the Roman Empire. Displaying a rich red hue, the intaglio ring features an intricate carving of the god Jupiter as an eagle, flanked by two depictions of the goddess of victory, Victoria. This historic ring exudes the grandeur of late antiquity. The millennia-old crimson carnelian is beautifully set into a high-carat yellow gold 18th-century mounting, a stunning fusion of ancient and Neoclassical craftsmanship. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Also known as gem carving, the art of intaglio dates back to the 14th century B.C.E. and was practiced by ancient civilizations such as those in Mesopotamia, Assyria, Phoenicia and later in Greece and Rome. The art of gem carving takes years to learn and master, and gem-carved pieces were among the most coveted accessories of ancient civilizations, used to personally mark wax seals. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Intaglio: Circa 2nd-3rd century CE\u003cbr\u003e Setting: 18th century","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43875334258823,"sku":"31-9416","price":16850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-9416_1_70a601e6-9050-4801-a001-9075ddf18816.png?v=1772361350"},{"product_id":"victorian-three-graces-silver-epergne-by-barnard-sons","title":"Victorian Three Graces Silver Epergne by Barnard \u0026 Sons","description":"Three Graces Epergne\u003cbr\u003e Edward, Edward, Jr., John and William Barnard\u003cbr\u003e The three arms hallmarked London, 1838\u003cbr\u003e The plinth and central work hallmarked London, 1841 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This magnificent Victorian epergne, crafted by Edward Barnard and his sons, Edward Jr., John and William, of the esteemed Barnard firm, exemplifies the merging of sculptural artistry with functional design. This striking centerpiece features the Three Graces as barefoot maidens clad in flowing Greek chiton apparel, one playing cymbals and another castanets, dancing around a reeded central stem. The silver branches, adorned with foliage and blossoms, support intricate flower-shaped crystal bowls or bobeches. The ornate base rests on four voluted acanthus feet, further embellished with delicate flowers and shells. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The epergne's creation coincides with the rise of silver as sculptural art in the early Victorian era, where artists like the Barnards seamlessly integrated aesthetics with practical function. Edward Barnard \u0026amp; Sons, one of the oldest goldsmith firms in the world, traced its roots back to 1680. They created the Lily font, a large silver-gilt baptismal font used for christening members of the British Royal Family. By 1838, the Barnards had moved to new premises on Angel Street, continuing their rich legacy of craftsmanship that extends to today. Additionally, this epergne was a part of the prestigious Red McCombs collection, which has been highly publicized and studied. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 26 1\/2\" high x 19 1\/2\" wide x 16\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans\u003cbr\u003e Red McCombs Collection, Texas\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44302207254663,"sku":"31-9182","price":64500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-9182_1.png?v=1780146477"},{"product_id":"theseus-french-empire-mantle-clock-by-andre-antoine-ravrio","title":"Theseus French Empire Mantle Clock by André Antoine Ravrio","description":"\u003cem\u003eTheseus\u003c\/em\u003e French Empire Mantel Clock\u003cbr\u003e André Antoine Ravrio\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1800 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This monumental Empire gilt mantel clock, created by André Antoine Ravrio, is one of only four known examples. Of the other three, one is held in a private collection, another resides in the Mobilier National in Paris, and the third belongs to the museum collection of the Prince de la Moskowa. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Commissioned during Napoleon's reign, the case was crafted by the emperor's personal bronzier, André Antoine Ravrio, and the mechanism by the Emperor’s clockmaker, Bazile-Charles Le Roy. The clock seamlessly marries the grandeur of Napoleon's modern empire with the timeless glory of Ancient Greece. The case itself is a work of art, as Ravrio masterfully presents one of ancient Greece’s most iconic tales. To the left, the ingenious inventor Daedalus is shown drafting his plans for King Minos’s labyrinth, built to contain the fearsome Minotaur. To the right stands the hero Theseus, captured at the pivotal moment when Ariadne, the king’s daughter, offers him a ball of thread—the key to finding his way out after confronting the monster. Sword in hand, he prepares for his fateful encounter. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Their pivotal exchange unfolds atop a pedestal adorned with a bronze frieze depicting Theseus’s triumph over the Minotaur. In this enduring myth, the Athenian hero enters the labyrinth to defeat the creature that demands human sacrifice, ultimately freeing Athens from its cruel tribute. Together, these scenes narrate the timeless story of courage, love and liberation. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Every element of this clock is a work of art, the result of a collaboration between the finest bronzier and clockmaker of the period. The enameled clock dial, signed \"Le Roy br. de Madame\/A Paris,\" features Roman numeral hour markers and minute graduations. Bazile-Charles Le Roy, founder of the prestigious Le Roy company in 1785 at the Palais Royal, relocated to Rue de la Egalité after 1789, later becoming the official clockmaker to Napoleon's mother. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e André Antoine Ravrio (1759–1814), renowned for his lamps, girandoles, clocks and bronze mounts, was awarded a Silver Medal at the 1806 Exposition de l'Industrie in Paris. By 1810, he had been appointed bronzier to Napoleon, working at several imperial residences, including Saint-Cloud, Compiègne and the Tuileries. At the height of his career, Ravrio's workshop employed as many as 100 artisans, producing designs coveted for their ingenious integration of form and exceptional quality, and this clock is the very finest example known on the market. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 25\" high x 23 1\/8\" wide x 9\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Mrs. E.P. Corbin, from 1949 in New York\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Bath, England\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43349735211143,"sku":"31-8659","price":54500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-8659_1.png?v=1784909739"},{"product_id":"pair-of-carrara-marble-busts-of-the-emperor-napoleon-and-empress-marie-louise","title":"Pair of Carrara Marble Busts of the Emperor Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise","description":"\u003cem\u003e\"I am a true Roman Emperor; I am of the best race of the Caesars—those who are founders.\" –Napoleon Bonaparte, 1812\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Among the most iconic and celebrated figures in history, Napoleon Bonaparte's legacy has been immortalized in countless works of art. Yet few pieces carry the personal significance and rarity of this extraordinary pair of Carrara marble busts, almost certainly commissioned by the Emperor himself. These stunning sculptures, depicting Napoleon and his second wife, Empress Marie Louise, stand as some of the most exceptional examples of Napoleonic busts not currently housed in a museum—masterpieces of both historical and artistic importance. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The busts were likely imperial commissions created to adorn key locations during Napoleon’s reign, embodying the grandeur of his empire. After Napoleon fell from power, these sculptures passed from his personal collection to the next most significant ruler of 19th-century France: his nephew, Emperor Napoleon III. During his reign, both busts were prominently displayed at the imperial Château de Compiègne, one of Napoleon III’s most important palaces. Following his abdication in 1870, the Emperor and Empress Eugénie took the busts with them into exile in England. They were among the few treasured possessions they could bring. After Napoleon III’s death, the busts were separated by Empress Eugénie and later reunited in 1936 by the esteemed Parisian art dealer Élie Fabius. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e As a visionary leader and cultural influencer, Napoleon was known to commission only the finest artists to craft his likeness in marble. The bust of Empress Marie Louise is signed by the renowned Italian sculptor Gaetano Matteo Monti of Ravenna, likely created around 1810 to commemorate her marriage to the Emperor. Monti’s skill in rendering her delicate features in marble exemplifies his exceptional talent, immortalizing her elegance in stone. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The accompanying bust of Napoleon, attributed to the celebrated sculptor Lorenzo Bartolini, was almost certainly carved earlier, around 1807. Bartolini was one of Napoleon’s favored artists, personally selected by the Emperor to direct the prestigious Carrara sculpture workshop in 1807. The exemplary craftsmanship of this bust, particularly the detailed laurel wreath and the nuanced portrayal of Napoleon's facial musculature, is consistent with Bartolini’s renowned imperial bust now housed at Versailles. This attribution places Napoleon's bust as one of the finest not presently housed in a museum collection. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The only other similar pair of marbles is the one attributed to Angelo Pizzi at the Museo Correr in Venice, highlighting the exceptional rarity and quality of our pair. The finesse of the carving and the elegant compositions of these busts surpass their Venetian counterparts, suggesting that the Pizzi busts in Venice may have been modeled after these superior works by Bartolini and Monti. Napoleon revered the legendary leaders of the Roman Empire—especially the military genius of Julius Caesar—and many of his iconic images, including these busts, posed Napoleon and his Empire as heirs to the great dynasty of Caesars. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Standing on beautiful matching bases, these monumental busts possess both an imposing presence and an undeniable beauty. Their storied provenance—having graced the imperial residence of both Napoleon I and Napoleon III—makes them an extraordinary find. To own these very works, once displayed with pride by two of history’s most significant rulers, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. These busts are more than fine marble sculptures. They are tangible links to the grandeur and legacy of the Napoleonic Empire, embodying the iconic reign and strategic genius of one of the most legendary leaders in history, Napoleon Bonaparte. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bust of Marie Louise signed \"GMR\" for Gaetano Matteo Monti of Ravenna \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1807 and 1810 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bust of Napoleon: 30 1\/16\" high x 24\" wide x 12 1\/2\" deep\u003cbr\u003e On base: 74 3\/8\" high \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bust of Marie Louise: 30 9\/16\" high x 20\" wide x 13 1\/8\" deep\u003cbr\u003e On Base: 74\" high \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rau-sfimages.s3.amazonaws.com\/dossier\/Dossier_31-9781.pdf\" target=\"new\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eView the Book\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eProvenance of the Bust of Napoleon:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Commissioned by Napoleon I, Château de Compiègne (likely), circa 1807\u003cbr\u003e The personal collection of Emperor Napoleon III at Château de Compiègne\u003cbr\u003e Thence to Napoleon III’s widow, the Empress Eugénie\u003cbr\u003e Gifted to Firmin Rainbeaux by Empress Eugénie on 18th April 1881\u003cbr\u003e By descent from Firmin Rainbeaux to his son Félix Rainbeaux\u003cbr\u003e Sale, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, “Succession de M. Félix Rainbeaux, Fils de Firmin Rainbeaux, écuyer de l’Empereur Napoleon III souvenirs napoléoniens: fusils, pistolets, couteaux de vénerie, dagues, miniatures etc,” 23rd October 1936, lot 267\u003cbr\u003e Élie Fabius, purchased from the above sale\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Stuttgart, Germany\u003cbr\u003e Sale, Galerie Koller, Zurich, 2nd November 1995, lot 4162, with bust of Marie Louise, both illustrated on the front cover\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Switzerland\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eProvenance of the Bust of Marie Louise:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Commissioned by Napoleon I, Château de Compiègne (likely), circa 1810\u003cbr\u003e The personal collection of Emperor Napoleon III at Château de Compiègne\u003cbr\u003e Thence to Napoleon III’s widow, the Empress Eugénie\u003cbr\u003e Sale, Hampton \u0026amp; Sons of London, “English and French Furniture, the Remaining Library, Porcelain, Sculpture, Bronzes, Table Plate, China and Glass Services, Pictures, Drawings, Prints, Vintage Wines etc” from Empress Eugénie’s home at Farnborough Hill, Hampshire, 18–27th July 1927, lot 1328\u003cbr\u003e Élie Fabius, purchased from the above sale\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Stuttgart\u003cbr\u003e Sale, Galerie Koller, Zurich, 2nd November 1995, lot 4162, with bust of Napoleon, both illustrated on the front cover\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, Switzerland\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eLiterature:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Georges Mauguin, “L’Iconographie Napoléonnienne au Palais National des Arts”, in \u003cem\u003eRevue de l’Institut Napoléon\u003c\/em\u003e, 1er trimestre, 1938; opposite p. 40, illustrated\u003cbr\u003e Gérard Hubert, \u003cem\u003eLa Sculpture dans l’Italie Napoléonienne\u003c\/em\u003e, 1964, p. 349, illustrated\u003cbr\u003e Galerie Koller, Zürich, Sale catalogue, \u003cem\u003eEine Hochbedeutende Europäische Privatsammlung: Napoleonica, möbel, bronzen, pendulen, skulpturen, gemälde, miniaturen\u003c\/em\u003e, 02 November 1995, lot 4162, illustrated\u003cbr\u003e Gérard Hubert and Guy Ledoux-Lebard, \u003cem\u003eNapoléon, portraits contemporains bustes et statues\u003c\/em\u003e, 1999, p. 98, pl. 70, illustrated\u003cbr\u003e Olivier Gabet, \u003cem\u003eUn marchand entre deux empires - Élie Fabius et le monde de l’art\u003c\/em\u003e, 2011, p. 77\u003cbr\u003e Enrico Noè, “Lo scultore Angelo Pizzi (Milano 1775–Venezia 1819)” in \u003cem\u003eSaggi e Memorie di storia dell’arte\u003c\/em\u003e, vol. 36, 2012, p. 264, pl. 48 \u0026amp; p. 265, pl. 49, illustrated \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003eExhibited:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Musée National de Malmaison, \u003cem\u003eDe Napoleon Ier à Napoleon III, Souvenirs de la Famille Impériale, Conservés par l’Impératrice Eugénie dans sa Résidence de Farnborough et Provenant de sa Succession\u003c\/em\u003e 1928, no. 15, p. 10\u003cbr\u003e Musée de l’Orangerie, Paris, \u003cem\u003eSouvenirs du Roi de Rome\u003c\/em\u003e, 1932, no. 209\u003cbr\u003e Bibliothèque National, Paris, \u003cem\u003e318 Lettres de Napoléon à Marie-Louise\u003c\/em\u003e, 1935, no. 10\u003cbr\u003e Palais National des Arts, Paris, \u003cem\u003eChefs d’Oeuvre de l’Art Français\u003c\/em\u003e, 1937, nos. 1105 \u0026amp; 1106\u003cbr\u003e The World’s Fair, New York, \u003cem\u003eFive Centuries of History Mirrored in Five Centuries of French Art\u003c\/em\u003e, 1939, no. 322, pl. LV \u0026amp; no. 323, pl. LIV","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43231128420487,"sku":"31-9781","price":1650000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/31-9781_1_6f3246a8-b8cc-49da-b85d-30668472d908.png?v=1758656468"},{"product_id":"ancient-roman-stele-relief-fragment","title":"Ancient Roman Stele Relief Fragment","description":"Ancient Roman Stele Relief Fragment\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1st Century BCE–1st Century CE \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This rare marble stele relief fragment is a remarkable artifact of ancient history. Dating to the 1st century BCE–1st century CE, it offers a direct connection to the grandeur of ancient Rome. Carved in fine white marble, possibly of Greek origin, this fragment exemplifies the Roman refinement of Classical Greek ideals. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A stele is a carved stone slab used in antiquity, typically as a commemorative monument, often decorated with relief figures or inscriptions. The quality and refined execution of this example suggest that it once belonged to an individual of considerable social standing. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The female figure is shown mid-motion, with her right hand gracefully crossing the body to her left shoulder, suggestive of adjusting or clasping a himation cloak. Her left arm extends downward, grasping the drapery in a composed gesture. The stele fragment retains the full expressive power of Roman classicism seen in the fluid contrapposto stance and elegant drapery lines that emphasize movement and femininity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A statue in a similar pose, \u003cem\u003eThe Small Herculaneum Woman\u003c\/em\u003e, housed in the Skulpturensammlung of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen in Dresden, Germany, dates to the 1st century BCE. Unearthed in 1711 at the ancient city of Herculaneum, it represents one of the earliest significant discoveries at the site. Similar stylistic choices can also be found in a pentelic marble stele from the Archaeological Museum in Elefsina. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e On stand: 37 1\/2 high x 23 1\/2\" wide x 12\" deep \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, New York\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43894037905543,"sku":"32-1243","price":74500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-1243_1_fcc311aa-64e9-4243-8548-5c354730cc8d.png?v=1784909989"},{"product_id":"hadrians-villa-mosaic-table","title":"Hadrian's Villa Mosaic Table","description":"Hadrian's Villa Mosaic Table\u003cbr\u003e 118-134 CE | Roman \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mosaic tabletop with later gilt wood base \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This extraordinary mosaic table from Hadrian's Villa stands as one of antiquity's most important surviving treasures, representing the ultimate convergence of imperial Roman grandeur and archaeological significance. Excavated from the legendary complex that housed Rome's greatest artworks, this magnificent piece bears the distinction of being walked upon by Roman emperors. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The mosaic's intricate geometric patterns showcase the supreme artistry of Roman craftsmen, featuring meticulously arranged tesserae that create a mesmerizing interplay of earth tones and geometric precision. Bordered by bands of varied marble, including precious verde antico, the composition displays repeating diamond and square motifs that demonstrate the mathematical sophistication of imperial Roman design. The later addition of its sumptuous gilt wood base elevates the ancient mosaic with neoclassical grandeur, featuring fluted columns, acanthus leaf capitals and elaborate carved moldings that perfectly complement the Roman aesthetic. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hadrian's Villa, constructed between 118 and 134 CE, represented the pinnacle of Roman imperial achievement and served as the private retreat of one of history's most cultured emperors. Emperor Hadrian, who reigned from 117 to 138 CE, was a philosopher, poet, architect and military strategist whose villa covered an area larger than Pompeii and housed antiquity's most irreplaceable artworks. The villa's rediscovery in 1461 marked the Renaissance period's most significant archaeological find, though large-scale excavation didn't begin until Cardinal Giuseppe Alessandro Furietti's groundbreaking work in 1736-1738. Cardinal Furietti, both scholar and connoisseur, transformed several of the villa's most celebrated mosaic floor fragments into tabletops, documenting his designs in his seminal work \u003cem\u003eDe Musivis\u003c\/em\u003e (1752), where this very mosaic appears in Plate IV. Following the Cardinal's death, his heirs sold tables from his estate, which were acquired in 1765 by the renowned English architect Robert Adam, who added the elaborate gilt bases before placing them in Britain's most important homes, including Castle Howard, Holkham Hall and Syon House. Today, some examples reside in important museum collections, including the Victoria \u0026amp; Albert Museum. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 118-134 CE with later gilt base \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 53 1\/4\" long x 27\" wide x 34\" high (135.26 x 68.58 x 86.36 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Hadrian’s Villa, Tivoli, Rome, excavated between 1736-1738 by Cardinal Furietti\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, England\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44581013094535,"sku":"32-0924","price":1250000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-0924_1_291fc085-cd55-4cd5-a844-653b3a1cc164.png?v=1778347394"},{"product_id":"a-classical-beauty-in-profile-by-john-william-godward","title":"A Classical Beauty in Profile by John William Godward","description":"John William Godward\u003cbr\u003e 1861-1922 | British \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eA Classical Beauty in Profile\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed \"J.W. Godward\" (center right)\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e An extraordinary portrait by John William Godward, \u003cem\u003eA Classical Beauty in Profile\u003c\/em\u003e embodies his renowned style. Celebrated as one of the most important Neoclassical painters at the turn of the century, Godward's career was devoted to a style of Classicism known as the \"Marble School,\" which rendered Greco-Roman beauties in their exquisite architectural settings. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Draped in a golden tunic, Godward's signature beauty is caught in a moment of quiet reverie. His exceptional talent for color and texture is on full display, with each element of the composition rendered with a supreme, naturalistic finish. This work also centers one of Godward's favorite models, an Italian beauty who also posed for a similar portrait the same year, entitled \u003cem\u003eThe Engagement Ring.\u003c\/em\u003e Embodying the essence of \"peace, feminine charm and ideal perfection\" that art historian Vern Grosvenor Swanson identified in Godward's best works, this painting is a masterpiece. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Raised in Wimbledon, England, Godward debuted at London’s Royal Academy exhibition in 1887. By the subsequent decade, the burgeoning artist was on a steady ascent to artistic success. Having fallen under the influence of British Neoclassical Revivalists Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Lord Frederic Leighton, and Sir Edward John Poynter, Godward quickly rivaled their style. The sensuality and mystery of Godward’s maidens, combined with his impressive backdrops, attracted fans across Europe and sent Godward on a rapid ascent to artistic stardom. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In 1889, he was elected to the Royal Society of British Artists. Ten years later, Godward debuted at the Parisian Salon of 1899, where again he was heaped with praise. He moved to Rome in 1912 to surround himself with the physical remnants of the classical world, and there he stayed for the major part of his remaining career. Today, his works belong to prestigious collections worldwide, including the Getty Museum and the Manchester Art Gallery. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Circa 1888 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 24 3\/8” high x 19 3\/8” wide (61.79 x 49.09 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Frame: 37” high x 32” wide x 4 1\/4” deep (93.98 x 81.28 x 10.80 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, United States\u003cbr\u003e Anonymous sale, Christie's New York, 22 October 1997, lot 72\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, acquired at the above sale\u003cbr\u003e Private collection, New York\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e Vern Grosvenor Swanson, \u003cem\u003eJohn William Godward: The Eclipse of Classicism\u003c\/em\u003e, London, 1997, p. 173, no. 1 (illustrated)","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44315758428295,"sku":"32-2120","price":248500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2120_1.png?v=1780145817"},{"product_id":"a-pompeian-lady-in-blue-by-john-william-godward","title":"A Pompeian Lady in Blue by John William Godward","description":"John William Godward\u003cbr\u003e 1861-1922 | British \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eA Pompeian Lady in Blue\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Signed and dated lower right \"J.W. Godward 1916\"\u003cbr\u003e Oil on canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This masterwork by John William Godward, \u003cem\u003eA Pompeian Lady in Blue\u003c\/em\u003e, evokes the romantic splendor of the Classical world. Celebrated as one of the most important Neoclassical painters at the turn of the century, Godward's career was devoted to a style of Classicism known as the \"Marble School,\" which rendered Greco-Roman beauties in their exquisite architectural settings. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Draped in a brilliant tunic of gold and blue, Godward's signature beauty gazes boldly out at the viewer, inviting them in by pulling back a luxurious curtain. His exceptional talent for jewel-like color and texture is on full display, with each element of the composition rendered with a supreme, naturalistic finish. Godward renders an extraordinary array of marbles and hardstones throughout, with the delightful detail of an agate oculus window shining above the figure's head. Embodying the essence of \"peace, feminine charm and ideal perfection\" that art historian Vern Grosvenor Swanson identified in Godward's best works, this painting is a captivating treasure. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Raised in Wimbledon, England, Godward debuted at London’s Royal Academy exhibition in 1887. By the subsequent decade, the burgeoning artist was on a steady ascent to artistic success. Having fallen under the influence of British Neoclassical Revivalists Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Lord Frederic Leighton, and Sir Edward John Poynter, Godward quickly rivaled their style. The sensuality and mystery of Godward’s maidens, combined with his impressive backdrops, attracted fans across Europe and sent Godward on a rapid ascent to artistic stardom. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In 1889, he was elected to the Royal Society of British Artists. Ten years later, Godward debuted at the Parisian Salon of 1899, where again he was heaped with praise. He moved to Rome in 1912 to surround himself with the physical remnants of the classical world, and there he stayed for the major part of his remaining career. Today, his works belong to prestigious collections worldwide, including the Getty Museum and the Manchester Art Gallery. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dated 1916 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Canvas: 35 3\/8” high x 17 1\/4” wide (89.7 x 43.8 cm)\u003cbr\u003e Framed: 42 5\/8” high x 24 1\/2” wide x 2 3\/8” deep (108.3 x 62.2 x 5.9 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Provenance:\u003cbr\u003e Private Collection, New Jersey\u003cbr\u003e M.S. Rau, New Orleans \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Literature:\u003cbr\u003e Vern Grosvenor Swanson, \u003cem\u003eJohn William Godward: The Eclipse of Classicism\u003c\/em\u003e, London, 1998, p. 151, plate 147, illustrated. Titled:\u003cem\u003eA Pompeian Lady\u003c\/em\u003e.","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44417983152263,"sku":"32-2121","price":585000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2121_1_9e88f4bc-d1e8-433d-9f99-b00b5e020412.png?v=1775503340"},{"product_id":"greek-soldier-brooch","title":"Greek Soldier Brooch","description":"This artful figural brooch takes the form of an Evzone, an elite soldier of the Greek army, in traditional uniform. Today, Evzoni are best known as Greece's Presidential Guard, but historically they were infantry units in the Hellenic Army. They can still be seen in Athens, standing guard at the Presidential Palace and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Finely crafted of 14K yellow, white and rose gold, the brooch also brings the soldier's elaborate garb to life with 0.75 carat of diamonds, along with sapphires and rubies. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 2 1\/2“ width x 2 1\/2” length","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44727027335303,"sku":"32-2683","price":19850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2683_1_82d12331-411e-4973-a231-66cbd159c4bf.png?v=1781220092"}],"url":"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/collections\/7-26-the-oddyssey-edit.oembed","provider":"M.S. Rau","version":"1.0","type":"link"}