Ewer (aiguière)

Jean-Baptiste-Claude Odiot’s reputation stretched internationally. Commissioned by Russian count Nikolei Demidoff, this ewer was one part of an extensive silver dinner service. Decorated with motifs of classical antiquity, this object’s Greco-Roman silhouette, grape vine frieze, raised mythological figures, and sinuous swan’s neck handle were likely inspired by the designs of Charles Percier and Pierre-François Fontaine, architects of Napoleon I.