Pair of vases
Made in 1789, on the eve of the French Revolution, this pair of vases reflects the superb quality and luxuriousness achieved by the Royal Porcelain Manufactory at Sèvres at the peak of its production. The vases were made to be purely decorative, and their diminutive scale was especially well suited to the intimate interiors that were in vogue in late eighteenthcentury France. They are painted with delicate scrolls that incorporate vegetal motifs, cornucopias, and birds’ heads. This type of decoration, known as the arabesque style, was very much in fashion in the 1780s not only throughout the decorative arts but also in interior decoration. On these vases the scrolling motifs surround panels painted to resemble prints depicting a male river god and a woman in classical dress. The richness of the decoration is enhanced by the two colors of marble employed for the base and by the finely worked coiling snakes that form the handles.
Artwork Details
- Title: Pair of vases
- Manufactory: Sèvres Manufactory (French, 1740–present)
- Date: 1789
- Culture: French, Sèvres
- Medium: Hard-paste porcelain; gilt bronze, marble
- Dimensions: Height (each): 9 1/16 in. (23 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics-Porcelain
- Credit Line: Wrightsman Fund, in honor of Edith de Montebello, 2008
- Object Number: 2008.529, .530
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Multiple artists/makers
1813
Sèvres Manufactory
1780
Sèvres Manufactory
1780
Sèvres Manufactory
1780
Sèvres Manufactory
1780
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Free to download
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.