Cella Antiques

Description

A fine pair of 19th century Grand Tour style models of the ancient twin-handled krater, known as the Albani vase in patinated and gilt bronze. Well-cast and richly patinated bronze. The body cast in crisp high relief with masks of bearded gods, leaf detail and reeded twin-handles modelled as intertwined vines on a fluted gilded circular socle. Interior in gilt bonze. Standing on slate square bases with gilded bronze trim and paw feet. The original vase was discovered in Rome in the mid 18th century during the excavation of a Villa sponsored by Cardinal Alessandro Albani, a great collector and patron of ancient art antiquities. The ancient marble vase was thought to have stood outside the Temple of Bacchus. French, circa 1880.