A Neoclassical Italian alabaster vase, presumably for a Neo-Guelf - image-1
A Neoclassical Italian alabaster vase, presumably for a Neo-Guelf - image-2
A Neoclassical Italian alabaster vase, presumably for a Neo-Guelf - image-1A Neoclassical Italian alabaster vase, presumably for a Neo-Guelf - image-2

Lot 863 Dα

A Neoclassical Italian alabaster vase, presumably for a Neo-Guelf

Auction 1184 - overview Cologne
19.11.2021, 11:00 - Decorative Arts
Estimate: 40.000 € - 60.000 €
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A Neoclassical Italian alabaster vase, presumably for a Neo-Guelf

Ormolu-mounted alabaster vase on an octagonal column plinth. The vase with a protruding acanthus base and original acanthus foliage lid with a tall finial and an eagle with a snake. Carved throughout with palmettes and ivy, the display side with a vine wreath surrounding an applique of a dancing maenad, the sides with bacchus head mascarons. The base decorated with further dionysian attributes. Restorations to the lid, base and several cracks, rim chips. H 77.5, D 23.2 cm.
Attributed to Rome, follower of Luigi Valadier, first half 19th C.

The Neo-Guelfs of the 19th century derived their name from a Medieval political grouping. Their members were primarily Catholics hoping to shape the Risorgimento together with the church in order to make Italy a confederation of principalities under the leadership of the Pope. The eagle grasping a snake was their emblem.

Provenance

Private collection, Rome.

Literature

Cf. marble and alabaster vases by Luigi Valadier in González-Palacios, Arredi e ornamenti alla corte di Roma, Milan 2004, p. 418 ff., titled "Di alcuni vasi di Luigi Valadier".