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A Pair of Large and Magnificent Empire Period Gilt-Bronze Vases on Plinths. Attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire.
Each vase of classical urn shape. The egg-and-dart rim above a tapering body applied with a frieze of berried and scrolled acanthus with swans. The bodies with relief cast figural groups of, to the front, Neptune and Amphitrite riding a chariot drawn by hippocampi and, to the back, with the birth of Venus. Between are winged mermaids holding garlands. The handles are modelled as dolphins adjoining stiff-leaf and anthemion cast bands to the lower body. Supported on socles and square bases above cube shaped plinths applied with relief cast medallions of a wreathed Apollo mask to front and back, and cupid riding a dolphin to the sides. The square foot with still-leaf tapering rim.
France, Circa 1810.
Thomire produced many variations of this type of neoclassical urn, however the present examples are unusually large and correspondingly rare. Coupled with the first-rate quality of the gilding, fine detail and chasing, these vases number among a handful of the most highly prized examples. There are a pair of identical vases by Thomire in the second Antechamber of the Royal Palace of Naples. Befitting of Naples, with its ancient maritime history, the distinctive figural design of these vases is a celebration of the sea. The marriage of Neptune and Amphitrite, the birth of Venus, the winged Nereides and the dolphin riding cupid, are all nautical allegories.
Dimensions
Height : 60 cm 24 inches Width : 30 cm 12 inches Depth : 30 cm 12 inchesStock number
B77703The BADA Standard
- Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
- Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
- Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
- Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
- Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees