19th Century Bronze Tazza

An exceptional 19th-century French bronze tazza by celebrated sculptor and medallist Ferdinand Levillain (1837–1905), known for his finely rendered works inspired by the art and mythology of antiquity.

The shallow bronze dish centers on a beautifully modeled bas-relief depicting Pandora and Epimetheus, signed “F. Levillain” and titled “PANDORE.” Classical ornamentation continues throughout the piece, reflecting the Neo-Grec movement that flourished in France during the latter half of the 19th century.

Levillain became particularly celebrated for his classical bas-reliefs, medallions and decorative bronzes and worked extensively with the renowned Parisian bronzier Ferdinand Barbedienne, whose foundry produced a number of Levillain’s tazza designs. Comparable examples date to approximately 1870–1880. (Christie’s)

A remarkable piece of French decorative art where sculpture and function meet, preserving a scene from ancient mythology in richly cast bronze.

Measurements: 17.5" L handle to handle x 13.25" W x 4.5" H