Pair of important Russian gilt bronze and metal vases
Russian, circa 1820
Dimensions: Height 98cm, width 43cm, depth 38cm
This monumental pair of vases are exquisitely crafted in gilt bronze and metal. They both feature twin scrolled handles, which are decorated with leaves and foliate patterns, as well as classical profiles at the top. These touch the ormolu rims, which feature an egg and dart pattern.
The body of each vase is of ovoid form and features further ormolu mounts, including a thick band underneath the waisted neck, twin dog heads at the base of the handles, flowers, stars and more Classical masks with foliate scrolls. The vases are supported by square plinths, with socle form bases and decorations of fluted ribbing and scrolled foliate forms.
Heavily inspired by the neoclassical style, which was popular in Russia in the late 18th and 19th centuries, the vases are decorated with gilt bronze relief scenes which allude to motifs in classical mythology. On a rich burgundy ground, the metal body of the vases show figures flanked by palm trees.
One vase shows a woman dressed in a classical draped fabric garment playing two flutes and leaning on a pedestal with twirling ivy, while a baby stands...
Category
Early 19th Century Russian Neoclassical Antique Veneer Vases
