Object Description
A pair of early 20th century lead garden urns after John Van Nost. These urns make for a stunning pair, with their intricate and eye-catching design. Round, with a pronounced gadrooned waist, the sculpted lead depicts a band of convolute acanthus centred on two faun heads, with scrolling handles terminating in female nudes with folded arms. Its waisted foot cast is also decorated with acanthus leaves.
John Van Nost
This pair are after a design by John Van Nost. Nost was a native of Malines in the Netherlands. He is first recorded in England around 1678, working at Windsor Castle under Hugh May. His workshop was in the Haymarket, and he specialised in lead figures, though he also worked in other materials, such as stone and terracotta.
He had many important patrons and was commissioned to make several garden figures for great houses and palaces, including Castle Howard and Hampton Court Palace.
He designed a set of sixteen urns, which were commissioned by William III for the Privy Garden at Hampton Court Palace.
Additional Dimensions (Each)
Height 78 cm (30.7 in)
Internal height 50 cm (19.68 in)
Internal diameter 37 cm (14.56 in)
Width including handles 70 cm (27.5 in)
External body of urn 53 cm (20.86 in)
Weight 200 kg (440.9 lb)