An Italian carved white marble model of the Warwick Vase

An Italian carved white marble model of the Warwick Vase, with a pair of entwined handles above a vine leaf and grape frieze, the body decorated with busts, torches and a lion's pelt on a stiff leaf base and a beaded socle, late 18th / early 19th century, 48.7cm high, 73cm wide, together with a pine rectangular plinth. (2)

Provenance:

Purchased at the Hervey-Bruce sale of the contents of Downhill, Co. Londonderry c.1950.

Presented as a gift to P. J. Rankin from the previous owner's sister in 1975.

Downhill was a magnificent mansion built by Frederick Augustus Hervey Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry in the late 18th century. Neal's 'Views of Seats' 1823 vol. 6 describes the west drawing room at Downhill as containing 'several vases, a beautiful China vase and a model of the Warwick vase' and 'A fine collection of marbles contribute to the very splendid appearance of this apartment' and 'these marbles included a copy of the Warwick vase-large'.

The Collection of the Late P. J. Rankin.