Hydrie

Vase à l'antique, Hydrie model, 19th century, copy of treasure trove for the grand tour.

In the 19th century, large, often aristocratic families sent their young boys on the "grand tour" a journey across Italy to discover and learn about the arts.
In fact, in the 19th century, it was considered that the most beautiful works of art came from Italy, from antiquities onwards, and until the 19th century, these young men were advised to visit temples, churches and excavations and to learn so as to come back with good taste. They were asked to prove this training by bringing back souvenirs, bronzes, jewels, ceramics, marble etc.

The Italians took advantage of this, as these gentlemen represented good customers. With this in mind, they created, copied and reproduced "à l'antique"

the piece presented here is a black-figured Hydrie, a pitcher with a curved handle to serve at the table and two small handles to be carried by the staff.

it has been deliberately "patinated" with liquid clay after drawing, to give it the appearance of a piece that came out of the ground 2000 years ago.

The Hydrie measures 25cm high, 18cm wide and 16cm deep.