MONUMENTAL VASE
terracotta, traces of colouring
This large vase belongs to the calyx-shaped crater typology referred to as “Medici Vase” from the name of the monumental Greek specimen from the 1st century coming from the villa of the Tuscan family in Rome, now at the Uffizi, a vase that had the honour of appearing in print, in a well-known etching by Stefano della Bella (1656).
The specimen examined here, which may be dated to the late Nineteenth century, has a frieze with Bacchic scenes in the centre of the neck; it runs along its entire perimeter and features cupids who are dancing and playing among vine plants. The latter continue upwards beyond the limit of the frieze, which is outlined by a thin moulded frame, to decorate the upper border with its inebriating clusters. The belly of the vase, which is very rounded, has two pairs of tenderly embraced cupids on the edges instead of the customary handles. The foot is decorated with pod and palmette motifs.
Rome, late 19th century
cm 98 height, cm 68 diameter
