Marble basin - SOLD

The decoration of this magnificent white marble basin is quite unique: circular in shape, it has a smooth inner bottom, while the entire underlying surface is sculpted with marine waves in relief. And it is in this sea that five marine creatures swim, mythological figures that are half female and half animal. These are sirens, legendary and mysterious creatures, the upper part of the body is that of a beautiful and young woman, the lower part that of a fish tail; magical because they are enchantresses, and we cannot help but remember Ulysses in Homer's Odyssey. In symbolism, the siren represents temptation, exerted by one's own body and by the persuasive and bewitching voice that leads man to the loss of reason. This is the moralistic version. Not knowing the exact origin of the artifact, now lost over the centuries, one could also hypothesize, in addition to its use as a stoup, a more playful origin. In fact, it could be a part of a fountain in a nymphaeum, that is, a place used for leisure furnished with pools and fountains. This would explain the elaborately decorated edge, suitable for a secular environment, a place where man is invited to get lost in the magical song of the voluptuous enchantresses. Excellent condition, datable to Genoa in the 16th century, diameter 50 cm. Between the 15th and 16th centuries, the use of marble exploded, and Lombard and Tuscan workers came to work for us to cope with the many requests. So much was used that Gustav Flaubert wrote "I was very sorry after three days to leave Genoa; because it is a city all in marble, with gardens full of roses; the whole thing has a chic that takes the soul ..." [<< j’ai été triste à crever pendant trois jours quand j’ai quitté Gênes; car c’est une ville tout en marbre, avec des jardins remplis de roses; l'ensemble en est d'un chic qui vous prend l’âme >>, Oeuvres complètes et Annexes, p. 4713]. A unique object of great charm. Dimensions: diameter 50 cm