This large hot water urn sits on a platform base resting on four acanthus feet that are raised on four hoof supports surmounted by rams’ heads. The lower part of the body imitates a fluted column and the upper register is decorated with a neo-classical design depicting Venus cavorting with sea nymphs. Gustave Odiot was the last member of the Odiot family to direct the silversmithing company, which had been owned by the family for over two centuries. He received the largest commission that was ever placed with the House of Odiot for 3,000 pieces of solid gold flatware for Saïd Pacha, the Viceroy of Egypt. Gustave later became the purveyor by appointment to the Court of His Imperial Majesty the Tsar of Russia.
