Spherical body urn with cover (one of a pair)
The ‘timeless’ Neo-Classical design of this fine pair of spherical Imperial porphyry urns makes their dating particularly difficult. They are likely to have been produced between 1770 and 1820 and could have been acquired by a grand tourist to Italy around that time. While earlier, more elaborately designed urns gave the carver the opportunity to display their artistic virtuosity, this plainer example puts the emphasis on the mesmerizing color of the porphyry stone. This particular example shows variations of light pink and black speckles.
Artwork Details
- Title: Spherical body urn with cover (one of a pair)
- Date: ca. 1770–1820
- Culture: possibly Italian
- Medium: Imperial red porphyry, gilt bronze
- Dimensions: field dims: 14 × 30 in. (35.6 × 76.2 cm)
Base (gilt bronze base, confirmed): 1 1/2 × 6 7/8 in. (3.8 × 17.5 cm) - Classification: Natural Substances
- Credit Line: Bequest of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2019
- Object Number: 2019.283.45a, b
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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possibly Italian
ca. 1770–1820
Italian, Umbria
late 15th century
Multiple artists/makers
after 1771–72, mounts ca. 1780
Pierre Philippe Thomire
lapidary work: early 19th century; pedestal and mounts: 1819
Sèvres Manufactory
1789
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