Study Of A Marble Medici Vase On A Red Fabric Throw

Decorative elements from antiquity or inspired by it were fundamental elements of academic teaching even in the 19th century and until the war of 14. This delightful study of a large Medici in Carrara marble, placed on a red fabric throw (another reference to antiquity: imperial purple), unsigned, is certainly the work of a student of this period, preparing for the Prix de Rome. The hand is skillful, the rendering of the marble reliefs perfect, the contrast between the ecru background and the red of the fabric is striking. The vase is in every way similar to the one kept at the institute. We had it restored (once presented as is), it is now in perfect condition for presentation.
A beautiful Napoléon III frame is now around the painting.