Vase on a column stand

Pierre Philippe Thomire|François Joseph Belanger|Augustin Bocciardi|Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, Versailles

after 1771–72, mounts ca. 1780 · Egyptian porphyry, gilt-bronze mounts · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The Romans who attached ceremonial and liturgical symbolism to porphyry used this red volcanic stone found in Egypt for various decorative purposes. This vase and its pedestal were almost certainly carved from a single antique column brought from Italy and mounted with gilt bronze in a workshop founded at the Hôtel des Menus Plaisirs, Paris, in 1771-72. The mounts of rams’ heads and swags of vine leaves and grapes are possibly by Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843). Thomire is particularly well known for his outstanding work in the Empire style.

Artist

Pierre Philippe Thomire|François Joseph Belanger|Augustin Bocciardi|Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, Versailles

Date

after 1771–72, mounts ca. 1780

Medium

Egyptian porphyry, gilt-bronze mounts

Culture

French, Versailles and Paris

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 1971