Description

Late C19th French ormolu bronze copy of the Classical Ancient Greek "Gaeta" vase , after the antique . Well-cast ormolu vase of elegant form with all-round classical relief decoration ,bacchus masks to sides, 'egg and dart' rim with gadrooned body and reeded foot. Frieze depicts a Bacchalian procession with the Greek god Hermes /Mercury handing the infant Dionysus or Bacchus to The Nymphs of Nysa for his upbringing and education. Raised on an ebonised turned wooden base. Good bright patina, the gilded ormolu bronze of the highest quality.
The marble original created in the 1st Century B.C by the Greek Athenian sculptor Salpion.Now in the Museo Nazionale ,Naples,Italy, having been removed from the Cathedral in Gaeta ,Lazio, Central Italy where it served as a baptismal font until 1805.
Sketched by Charles Heathcote Tatham in 1795 , a stylised version conceived as a pastille-burner was produced by the celebrated Birmingham firm of Messrs Boulton and Fothergill at the Soho Manufactory , Soho, Birmingham , in response to the demand for the fashionable "after the antique" neo-classical style. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery hold an example by Matthew Boulton in their collection (no. 2000m13). A further version (with addition of handles)was produced by Giovanni Zoffoli in Rome and appeared in his sale catalogue of 1795 , an example of which is now in the University of Edinburgh having been bequeathed to them by Sir James Erskine of Torrie in 1824 ,who acquired the vase in Rome in 1800.
H 13" (inc. base)
Dia. 7" .
Probably France or Italy c .1870
Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .
Whether buying for pleasure , decoration or investment, we welcome you to our web-site or premises .
Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .
All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees&Sons .
If visiting, a telephone call prior is advisable as due to the demands of the business the show-room does not have regular hours . Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance .
www.leesantiquesworcester.com.
Tel. 01905 26620 / 07860826218
Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.
Internal Ref: MLBO 1410