Frederic-Jules Rudolphi
Vase with Scenes from the Life of Saint Louiscirca 1839-1844

On view:

Geffen Galleries, floor 2

Tall gilt-metal and enamel vase with turquoise diamond lattice pattern, Gothic arched handles with statuettes, and a central enamel medallion depicting mounted armored figures

Gilt enamel vase with turquoise lattice pattern, twin ornate gold handles, and a central oval medallion depicting two standing figures in Renaissance dress; Latin inscription borders the medallion; cabochon gemstone accents throughout; raised on a lobed foot.

Attributed to: Frederic-Jules Rudolphi
Designer: Karl Wagner
Title: Vase with Scenes from the Life of Saint Louis
Place Made: France
Date Made: circa 1839-1844
Medium: Silver gilt, enamel, paste gemstones
Dimensions: 18 1/2 x 8 1/4 x 7 3/8 in. (46.99 x 20.96 x 18.74 cm)
Credit Line: Purchased with funds provided by Julia and Morton Winston
Accession Number: M.2002.133
Classification: Furnishings
Collecting Area: Decorative Arts and Design
Curatorial Notes: A resurgence of interest in medieval art and history swept across Europe in the mid-nineteenth century. In France, the Gothic Revival in art and architecture coincided with the rise of Romanticism in music and literature. This vase is decorated with scenes from the life of Louis IX (r. 122670), the only French king to be canonized. Saint Louis is best known today for commissioning the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris and for his military, political, and economic successes. He also led two Crusades to the Holy Land, where he died in 1270.

The overall design of this vessel is based on the monumental Moorish-style “Alhambra” vases that had stood in the gardens of the Alhambra Palace in Spain since the fourteenth century. This version in silver and enamel with inset gemstones stands on a base whose shape and ornament resemble a medieval chalice. Gargoyles and knights in armor adorn the handles, while heraldic shields surround the base. A painted vignette on one side of the body depicts Saint Louis on horseback as he triumphs over his English adversary, Henry III, at the Battle of Taillebourg in 1242. On the other side, a second vignette depicts Louis on his deathbed in Tunis.

German-born silversmith Karl Wagner oversaw a large Paris workshop and was celebrated for his virtuosity. Following his accidental death in 1841, his former student and business partner Frédéric-Jules Rudolphi took over the workshop and continued to produce silver in various historical-revival styles.

Frederic-Jules Rudolphi
Vase with Scenes from the Life of Saint Louiscirca 1839-1844

On view:

Geffen Galleries, floor 2

Attributed to: Frederic-Jules Rudolphi
Designer: Karl Wagner
Title: Vase with Scenes from the Life of Saint Louis
Place Made: France
Date Made: circa 1839-1844
Medium: Silver gilt, enamel, paste gemstones
Dimensions: 18 1/2 x 8 1/4 x 7 3/8 in. (46.99 x 20.96 x 18.74 cm)
Credit Line: Purchased with funds provided by Julia and Morton Winston
Accession Number: M.2002.133
Classification: Furnishings
Collecting Area: Decorative Arts and Design
Curatorial Notes: A resurgence of interest in medieval art and history swept across Europe in the mid-nineteenth century. In France, the Gothic Revival in art and architecture coincided with the rise of Romanticism in music and literature. This vase is decorated with scenes from the life of Louis IX (r. 122670), the only French king to be canonized. Saint Louis is best known today for commissioning the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris and for his military, political, and economic successes. He also led two Crusades to the Holy Land, where he died in 1270.

The overall design of this vessel is based on the monumental Moorish-style “Alhambra” vases that had stood in the gardens of the Alhambra Palace in Spain since the fourteenth century. This version in silver and enamel with inset gemstones stands on a base whose shape and ornament resemble a medieval chalice. Gargoyles and knights in armor adorn the handles, while heraldic shields surround the base. A painted vignette on one side of the body depicts Saint Louis on horseback as he triumphs over his English adversary, Henry III, at the Battle of Taillebourg in 1242. On the other side, a second vignette depicts Louis on his deathbed in Tunis.

German-born silversmith Karl Wagner oversaw a large Paris workshop and was celebrated for his virtuosity. Following his accidental death in 1841, his former student and business partner Frédéric-Jules Rudolphi took over the workshop and continued to produce silver in various historical-revival styles.