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Vase on a column stand

after 1771–72, mounts ca. 1780
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 522
The Romans who attached ceremonial and liturgical symbolism to porphyry used this red volcanic stone found in Egypt for various decorative purposes. This vase and its pedestal were almost certainly carved from a single antique column brought from Italy and mounted with gilt bronze in a workshop founded at the Hôtel des Menus Plaisirs, Paris, in 1771-72. The mounts of rams’ heads and swags of vine leaves and grapes are possibly by Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843). Thomire is particularly well known for his outstanding work in the Empire style.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Vase on a column stand
  • Maker: Lapidary workshop: Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, Versailles
  • Designer: probably by François Joseph Belanger (French, Paris 1744–1818 Paris)
  • Maker: lapidary work probably by Augustin Bocciardi (ca. 1729–1797)
  • Mount maker: attributed to Pierre Philippe Thomire (French, Paris 1751–1843 Paris)
  • Date: after 1771–72, mounts ca. 1780
  • Culture: French, Versailles and Paris
  • Medium: Egyptian porphyry, gilt-bronze mounts
  • Dimensions: H. (vase) 41 1/4 in. (104.8 cm); H. (stand) 35 5/8 in. (90.5 cm); Diam. 16 3/8 in. (41.6 cm)
  • Classification: Natural Substances
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 1971
  • Object Number: 1971.206.44
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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