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Roman funerary (cinerary) vase with a carved frieze of cupids riding sea beasts
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Roman funerary (cinerary) vase with a carved frieze of cupids riding sea beasts
Late 18th century
Grey Greek marble
Height: 64cm, maximum
Height (excluding lid): 39cm
Height (base): 10cm
Height (frieze): 9.5cm
Circumference (lid): 115cm
Width (bottom of base): 18.5cm, maximum
Length (bottom of base): 18.5cm
Height (excluding lid): 39cm
Height (base): 10cm
Height (frieze): 9.5cm
Circumference (lid): 115cm
Width (bottom of base): 18.5cm, maximum
Length (bottom of base): 18.5cm
Museum number: M838
Vermeule catalogue number: Vermeule 344
On display: Dome Area
All spaces are in No. 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields unless identified as in No. 12, Soane's first house.
For tours https://www.soane.org/your-visit
Curatorial note
The lid is enriched with ivy leaves and berries in a continuous wreath. On the side which faces into the dome area a Cupid with a rudder or paddle, emblematic of a sea divinity, rides right on a Sea Bull, facing a similar figure, with emblem broken, on a Hippocamp; there is a trident (symbol of Neptune, God of the Sea) between them. On the opposite side, a Cupid holding Hercules' club (?) on a Sea Griffin faces a similar Cupid as the God Mercury, on a Sea Ram, with another trident between them. The body of the vase is fluted to simulate bronze, and the bottom of the bowl has flat, overlapping acanthus leaves springing from the underside.
Provenance
Purchased at Lord Bessborough's Sale, Christie's, 7 April 1801, Lot. 73, A capital large Vase, of oval Shape, with Bas-reliefs of Infant Genii on Sea-Horses and various Emblems, exquisitely Sculptured,for £33.12.0. Marginal note in Soane's copy of the Sale Catalogue 32G S [e.g. 32 Guineas Self [or Soane?]
Literature
Description of Sir John Soane's Museum, 1930, p.84, fig. 50 (lower right); also p.82, fig. 48 and 83, fig. 49.
Soane collections online is being continually updated. If you wish to find out more or if you have any further information about this object please contact us: worksofart@soane.org.uk