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
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.
