AN ITALIAN 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

48.7cm high, 73cm wide

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.

The Collection of the Late P. J. Rankin.

Sold Woolley & Wallis, 7th January 2016, lot 365 to the current vendor.

Catalogue Note

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 Warwick Vase, a colossal marble vase measuring nearly six feet high. from the 2nd century AD, became one of the most celebrated pieces of antiquity. The vase was excavated in 1770 from a lake at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli and acquired by Sir William Hamilton, antiquarian and Ambassador to Naples. It was later sold to the Earl of Warwick who installed it on the grounds of Warwick Castle.