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 Vases after the Antique
Depiction of a 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
- Title: 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 Vases after the Antique
- Artist: Enea Vico (Italian, Parma 1523–1567 Ferrara)
- Date: ca. 1543–1573
- Medium: Engraving [second state]
- Dimensions: sheet: 11 x 7 3/4 in. (28 x 19.7 cm) [cropped within plate mark on all sides]
- Classifications: Prints, Ornament & Architecture
- Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1953
- Object Number: 53.600.4833
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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