Covered Vase

c. 1885

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Louis-Robert Carrier-Belleuse and Houtin Boulenger & Company

Covered Vase

Designer: Louis-Robert Carrier-Belleuse
Manufacturer: Houtin Boulenger & Company

Covered Vase

c. 1885

Physical Qualities Ceramic; cast and glazed, Overall: 20 1/2 in. (52.1 cm.)

Credit Line Gift of Joseph A. Holtzman and Carl Skoggard in Honor of Brenda Richardson and her contribution to The Baltimore Museum of Art

Object Number 2009.85

Below a pair of brooding winged figures, a frantic band of naked putti swarms around the foot of this vase. The winged figures recall Gothic Revival gargoyles placed by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc (1814 – 1879) on the cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris. Widely circulated fantastical images by the French illustrator Gustave Doré (1832 – 1883) also come to mind. Lest the viewer miss the ominous spirit of this piece, it includes two plaques inscribed “sauve qui peut” — save yourself if you can.

The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2009; Joseph Holtzman, New York

"20th century Decorative Arts, various owners," Sotheby's, Paris, November 20, 2006, lot 31[Important Vase Couvert de Forme Balustre, with estimate of E15,000-20,000, sold for E18,000]

Inscribed: Inscribed "SAUVE qui peut" on two sides of platform Inscribed "LOUIS.CARRIER-BELLEUSE" on side of platform

Markings: Cursive "H.B." and "Choisy" in underglaze black and impressed shape number on base 1636/11/97