c19th 'grand tour' souvenir bronze reduction of the albani vase cast by bardedienne

Description

C19th 'Grand Tour' souvenir bronze reduction of "The Albani Vase" cast by Barbedienne.
Well-cast and richly patinated bronze copy of the ancient marble twin-handled krater vase, known as the Albani vase, mounted upon a green 'Prato verde' , serpentine marble block base.
Discovered in Rome in the mid C18th during the excavation of the grounds of a Villa sponsored by the great collector, connoisseur and patron of ancient art antiquities, Cardinal Alessandro Albani , the ancient marble vase was thought to have originally stood outside the Temple of Bacchus .
The rims with 'egg and dart' borders above a vine leaf decorated collar . The body cast with the masks of bearded gods set amongst drapery and lion-skins , whilst the twin handles are formed by twisted vine branches, standing on a fluted socle .
Signed on the edge of the socle "F. Barbedienne" . The French foundry of Ferdinand Barbedienne were a renowned producer of quality objects and sculpture during the mid C19th. This copy of the Albani vase , appears in the Barbedienne catalogue of 1886 titled "Cratere vase consacre a Bacchus ".
In excellent condition with a consistent mid 'chocolate' brown patination. Minor chips to the edges of the marble base.
H (overall) 10"
H (bronze) 5.5"
W 9"
D 5.5"
France c.1890
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 .
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Internal Ref: ML 182