Object Description
Large antique pair of Royal Vienna vases with lids
Austrian, 19th Century
Height 82cm, diameter 34cm
These exceptional vases and covers were made by the esteemed Royal Vienna Porcelain in the 19th century. With their superbly painted historical scenes and deep red ground, they display the hallmarks of the refined Neoclassical style that the manufactory was known for.
The two vases are almost identical in design, aside from the content of the painted scenes. The urns are notable for their unusual tapering cylindrical form, capped by domed lids with ormolu finials. The lids, necks, and lower sections of the body feature rows of decorative friezes that combine ormolu motifs with red, white, or black grounds. Both geometric meandros designs and foliate scrollwork can be seen, with the largest frieze (just below the painted scenes) also featuring animal masks and flaming torches – the neoclassical influence is clear throughout.
Each vase is adorned with a continuous painted frieze, which is split into one scene on each of the two sides. Painted German inscriptions to the foot of each vase reveal that the images are episodes from ancient Greek mythology and medieval history, namely of Hero and Leander, Telemachus (son of Odysseus), Zeuxis painting Juno, and King Edward I and his wife Eleonora. Most likely all of these paintings are done after works by the Swiss artist Angelica Kauffman (1741-1807), and with their fine naturalism and bright colours, these exquisite scenes pay successful homage to their originals.
The underside of each vase is marked with a Royal Vienna blue beehive stamp.
Combining exceptional painted narratives with complementary decoration, these stunning vases would be an attention-grabbing addition to the appropriate interior space.