Silver Plated French Bacchanalian Jardiniere, Circa 1880

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Produced in France, circa 1880, this impressive silver plated jardiniere has elements of Greek mythology, making it Neoclassical style. On … Read more Produced in France, circa 1880, this impressive silver plated jardiniere has elements of Greek mythology, making it Neoclassical style. On each side of the jardiniere is a mascaron of a bearded man with a headband. Based on the two cloven feet located beneath a husked wreath around the mascaron’s neck, this is most likely the god, Pan. Pan was considered a minor Greek god in the hierarchy, but nonetheless, he is one of the more frequently referenced deities in mythology and artwork.

Further indications that the face represents Pan is the presence of another figure on the front of the jardiniere: a man with goat legs (a satyr) holding a pair of flutes. These instruments are called pan flutes, named after the god, himself. The youthful-looking satyr is sitting on a pair of gadrooned volutes. Larger volutes can also be seen on the sides of the jardiniere, terminating in leaves about the four feet. The cyma reversa moldings on the sides are adorned with vertical margents, geometric shapes and gadrooning. Both longer sides have been embellished with a grapevine margent and two winged putti amongst flowers. A removable tin liner inserts into the opening, allowing our silver plated bacchanalian jardiniere to be used as an indoor planter. It would also make a fantastic vide-poche or a simple decorative accessory. See less