Pair of Mid C19th Gilded Brass 'Grand Tour' Souvenir Volute Krater Vases , Known as "The Townley Vase".

Pair of mid C19th gilded brass 'Grand Tour' souvenir volute Krater vases , known as "The Townley Vase".

Well-cast good larger-scale copies of the Roman 2nd century AD marble urn discovered in 1773 at the Villa of Antoninus Pius in Monte Cagnolo by Gavin Hamilton , agent to the famous collector of antiquities, Charles Townley .

The bodies of the vases are decorated in high relief and depicts a Bacchalian procession, a raucous festival of drinking and feasting. The central figures portraying Bacchus and Ariadne , whilst Pan is portrayed along with the followers of Bacchus , Satyrs and Maenads dancing and cavorting. Bacchus or Dionysus is the God of wine in Ancient Greek and Roman mythology.

These large ancient vessels were originally made to mix wine and water in during the festival rituals and copy the Ancient Greek versions .

Smart pair of decorative vases with a bright , though aged , patina , with minor areas of verdigris around the handle areas adding to the atmosphere of antiquity.

H 12"

W 8"

D 8"

France or Italy c.1860

Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .

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