This Art Nouveau hand painted Viennese terracotta decorative piece is a large exhibition vase featuring an animalier and mythological theme by Adolphe-Jean Lavergne for Friedrich Goldscheider. It is a wonderful artifact belonging to the Viennese Secessionist Period.
This is an important sculptural vase with rounded belly and long flared cylindrical neck adorned with naturalistic foliage and floral patterns, the low relief stylized branches run all the way around along the neck and the vase's rim is decorated as the crown of the tree in the round.
The vase boasts in the center a wonderful hand crafted high relief representing Orpheus and his lyre surrounded by lions. Orpheus is a legendary musician, poet and prophet in ancient Greece Mythology known for his ability to charm all living things and even wild animals and stones with his music.
Both the sculptural elements and the cold paint and patina of this terracotta piece are masterfully executed, a truly whimsical centerpiece so well patinated and parcel gilt that the vase achieves a faux bronze effect.
The vase is signed on the back with the Goldscheider seal impressed and bears the mention “Reproduction reserved”. Made in Austria in circa 1900, the piece is in remarkable condition with charming patina.
The Goldscheider factory was founded in 1885 in Vienna by Friedrich Goldscheider and soon became the leading terracotta, faience and bronze manufactory in Austria.
Famous for creating masterpieces of historical revivalism, Goldscheider took part in the Universal Exhibition in Barcelona in 1888 and in Paris in 1889. His manufacture worked with many artists and ceramists including Adolphe-Jean Lavergne. The family emigrated to America and Britain in 1938.
Mesures: H. 78 cm, Diam. 46 cm.