A pair of painted and lacquered wood corner pedestals, probably Russian, early 19th century
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 EUR
Lot Details
Description
with a neoclassical decoration of profiles in medalions, flowers, garlands and ova, with a Red griotte marble top, two inscriptions in Ancient Greek or cyrillic « Platonos Atheniaos » et « Soumnos »
(2)
Haut. 123,5 cm, Larg.63,5 cm Prof. 66 cm; Height. 48 3/4 in, width. 25 in, depth. 26 in
Please note that on 27 July 2022 the United States imposed import tariffs on certain Russian goods. This lot may be subject to a tariff upon import into the United States. The amount of the import tariff due is a percentage of the value declared upon entry into the United States.
The collection of Gianni Versace, Replica Shoes ’s, New York, 5-6-7 April 2001, lot 223.
These imposing pedestals feature neoclassical decoration with a profile of the Athenian philosopher Plato, depicted with a beard, and on the other pedestal, a beardless philosopher with the word Soumnos in Greek alphabet, which could be linked to the word semnos, meaning serious, grave, respectful, an adjective relevant to the idea people had of Greek philosophers in the 18th century. This neoclassical style was particularly popular at the Russian imperial court, thanks in particular to Catherine II, who amassed an impressive collection of European works and commissioned numerous pieces with neoclassical decoration. Her son Paul had his Pavlosk Palace built in the same style, featuring numerous Roman statues and copies.