C19th 'Grand Tour' Souvenir Bronze Reduction of "The Albani Vase" Cast by Bardedienne .

C19th 'Grand Tour' souvenir bronze reduction of "The Albani Vase" cast by Barbedienne.

Well-cast and richly patinated bronze copy of the ancient marble twin-handled krater vase, known as the Albani vase, mounted upon a green 'Prato verde' , serpentine marble block base.

Discovered in Rome in the mid C18th during the excavation of the grounds of a Villa sponsored by the great collector, connoisseur and patron of ancient art antiquities, Cardinal Alessandro Albani , the ancient marble vase was thought to have originally stood outside the Temple of Bacchus .

The rims with 'egg and dart' borders above a vine leaf decorated collar . The body cast with the masks of bearded gods set amongst drapery and lion-skins , whilst the twin handles are formed by twisted vine branches, standing on a fluted socle .

Signed on the edge of the socle "F. Barbedienne" . The French foundry of Ferdinand Barbedienne were a renowned producer of quality objects and sculpture during the mid C19th. This copy of the Albani vase , appears in the Barbedienne catalogue of 1886 titled "Cratere vase consacre a Bacchus ".

In excellent condition with a consistent mid 'chocolate' brown patination. Minor chips to the edges of the marble base.

H (overall) 10"

H (bronze) 5.5"

W 9"

D 5.5"

France c.1890

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