Antique Ewer with a Handle in the Shape of Two Snakes encircling a Man Holding a Sea Shell by his Mouth to form the Spout, from "Series of Vases after the Antique"

Enea Vico Italian
1543
Not on view
Antique ewer with a handle in the shape of two snakes encircling a man holding a sea shell by his mouth to form the spout. Below the shell is a small putto who holds up a plate waiting to receive the content of the ewer. The body of the ewer is decorated with acanthus scrolls and terminal figures holding up a tablet with the letters S.P.Q.R. From a series of vase designs after the Antique, first published by Enea Vico in 1543, and later included in a composite series with other designs by Agostino Veneziano by Antonio Lafreri dated circa 1573 based on its presence in Lafreri’s catalogue.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Antique Ewer with a Handle in the Shape of Two Snakes encircling a Man Holding a Sea Shell by his Mouth to form the Spout, from "Series of Vases after the Antique"
  • Series/Portfolio: Series of Vases after the Antique
  • Artist: Enea Vico (Italian, Parma 1523–1567 Ferrara)
  • Published in: Rome
  • Date: 1543
  • Medium: Engraving [early edition of the first state]
  • Dimensions: Plate: 11 1/4 × 7 7/8 in. (28.5 × 20 cm)
  • Classifications: Albums, Prints, Ornament & Architecture
  • Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.50.1(32)
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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