Pair of Ewers and Stands

These small pitchers are designed to represent water and wine. The handle of the wine vessel is in the form of a faun or satyr, and swags of sparkling grapes allude to the joys of wine. The water vessel bears the figure of a mermaid and a fancilful sea monster with a gaping mouth. Pierre Gouthière (1732–1813) was the most famous Parisian bronze chaser and gilder of his day. He received commissions from leading figures such as the Marquis de Marigny, Madame de Pompadour's brother. In 1767, he was named doreur du roi (gilder to the king).