264 - ATHENIAN WASHBASIN

ATHENIAN WASHBASIN with two basins in white marble and black-patinated bronze. The large upper basin is edged at the rim by a black-patinated bronze band, and its crown is decorated with bronze florets; its outer surface features a fluted relief and is topped with a seed, the base of the pedestal features highly expressive, finely chiseled ancient-style theatrical masks in black-patinated bronze, as well as thyrses. The lower bowl is supported by three round-headed dolphins in bronze with a black patina. The entire piece rests on a hollow triangular base encircled by bronze elements and on claw feet, also in bronze. First half of the 19th century. Height: 82 cm - Diameter: 35 cm (Good overall condition) Provenance: – Acquired from the Galerie Chalvignac, rue de Beaune, Paris. – Private collection. Description: Inspired by ancient tripods used for libations and offerings, the “Athénienne” appeared in French furniture design in the late 18th century, during the Neoclassical revival. Its name derives from Joseph-Marie Vien’s painting, *La Vertueuse Athénienne* (*The Virtuous Athenian Woman*), presented at the 1763 Salon, depicting a priestess burning incense on a tripod. Initially designed as an incense burner, a planter, or a dressing table, the Athénienne became, during the Directoire and the Empire periods, a characteristic element of ceremonial furniture. This particular piece, with its rigorous tripod composition, the use of white marble, and the contrast with the black-patinated bronze elements, is part of this neoclassical tradition, which continued into the first half of the 19th century.