Felicity Stand

Stands for a model of La Samaritaine (piètement), 1773 Jean-Baptiste Vinceneux. The stand was replicated by Art Heritage in complete handmade carvings as shown below. The Museum’s stand, which has the crowned initials MT of the comtesse d’Artois, was executed by the little-known sculptor Jean-Baptiste Vinceneux for the model of La Samaritaine that belonged to her. Richly carved with oak, laurel, and myrtle branches, as well as with garlands of flowers, the stand displays a coat of arms on the back that has not yet been positively identified. A three-dimensional composition consisting of a classical urn, billing doves, a flaming torch, and a quiver of arrows adorns the cross-stretcher that connects the four slender legs. Symbolizing love and marital felicity, this group undoubtedly refers to the nuptials of the comte and comtesse d’Artois, which took place in November 1773, the same year the support was made; the marriage, however, proved an unhappy one as the young husband continued to lead a licentious life. Pierced guilloche moldings running along the sides of the stand allude to the fact that the models of La Samaritaine were intended to exude perfume. Placed on a later stand, one of the maquettes is in the collection of the Musée Carnavalet, Paris.
Art.