Antiquary & Expert CNES

This small cup in gilt bronze and repoussé copper perfectly illustrates the 19th century's taste for revisited Antiquity.
Its central medallion depicts two nude male figures, rendered in high relief, carrying a hunting trophy — a composition directly inspired by ancient bas-reliefs and Greco-Roman aesthetics.

The work is signed “LEVILLAIN”, a 19th-century French sculptor and medalist, known for his neo-classical compositions, and was produced by F. Barbedienne, one of the most prestigious Parisian art foundries.

The combination of copper for the central relief and gilt bronze for the rim gives the piece a warm, decorative presencewhile highlighting the delicacy of the modeling. This type of object was intended for a cultivated clientele, art lovers, and naturally found its place in a cabinet of curiosities, a library, or a study.

A fine example of Parisian artistic production at the end of the 19th century, at the crossroads of art, publishing and decorative objects.

The golden patina is only present on the back of the cup.