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Cinerary vase with foliate scroll frieze
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Cinerary vase with foliate scroll frieze
Travertine marble
Height (excluding modern square marble base): 54cm, maximum
Height (excluding lid): 39cm
Height (frieze): 17cm
Circumference (lid): 109cm
Height (excluding lid): 39cm
Height (frieze): 17cm
Circumference (lid): 109cm
Museum number: M840
Vermeule catalogue number: Vermeule 352
On display: Dome Area
All spaces are in No. 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields unless identified as in No. 12, Soane's first house.
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Curatorial note
The handles of this vase are in the form of partially uncoiled snakes and the lid is decorated with an acorn and leaf wreath. The body is fluted and has, as its central frieze motive, a running scroll of acanthus leaves, stalks, tendrils, and rosette flowers in the centre. Below this is a bead fillet and a row of palm leaves spring from the bottom. Compare the enrichment on a contemporary example from the Hope Collection1 which also has the Ammon masks.
Dr Glenys Davies has noted that the snakes on this vase are very typical of Piranesi's work and that it may be the product of his workshop.
1 Sale Catalogue, Christie's, 23 July 1917, no. 200.
Dr Glenys Davies has noted that the snakes on this vase are very typical of Piranesi's work and that it may be the product of his workshop.
1 Sale Catalogue, Christie's, 23 July 1917, no. 200.
Provenance
Unrecorded.
Literature
Description of Sir John Soane's Museum, 1930, p.83, fig. 49 (right centre).
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