Attributed to the renowned ‘bronzier’ Pierre-Philippe Thomire, these exceptional and very rare vases epitomize the grandeur and elegance of the Empire period.
The vases are relief cast with figural groups of Neptune and Amphitrite riding a chariot drawn by hippocampi to the front, and the birth of Venus to the back. Winged mermaids holding garlands and dolphin handles seamlessly complete the enchanting narrative. The plinth bases are further adorned with relief cast medallions of a wreathed Apollo mask and cupid riding a dolphin, perfectly capturing the essence of nautical mythology.
Thomire produced several variations of this type of neoclassical urn, however, these examples are unusually large and correspondingly rare. Their first-rate gilding, fine detail, and chasing make these vases highly prized examples.
A pair of identical vases by Thomire can be found in the Royal Palace of Naples, a location befitting of Naples with its ancient maritime history.
France, Circa 1810.
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