Pair Of Medici Vases Made Of Solid Mahogany And Gilded Bronze, 19th Century.

An elegant pair of decorative vases in the Medici style, crafted from solid mahogany, resting on quadrangular bases and adorned with gilded bronze mounts.

These vases are part of the major Neoclassical movement, which, inspired by Greco-Roman antiquity, flourished in the late 18th century and throughout the 19th century. Their silhouette combines a widely flared neck with a fluted body resting on a pedestal, while the handles take the form of ram’s heads connected by delicate plant scrollwork. The bases are adorned on each side with a gilded bronze laurel wreath, an emblematic motif associated since antiquity with glory, victory, and honor.

The use of solid mahogany lends the set an elegant and warm presence. The natural richness of the wood harmonizes beautifully with the gilded bronze mounts, while the waterleaf friezes and moldings subtly highlight the overall architectural design of the piece.

This pair of vases attests to the spread of decorative motifs inspired by the Empire style throughout 19th-century European decorative arts. A very similar pair was notably offered on the international market by Sotheby’s during the “European Furniture, Sculpture, and Works of Art” auction, lot no. 258, under the title “A Pair of Empire Gilt-Bronze and Mahogany Urns, 19th Century.” These vases can also be compared to a model held in the collections of the Virtual Russian Museum (Виртуальный Русский музей) in Saint Petersburg, illustrating the widespread popularity of this type of object in 19th-century Europe.

In good condition. Wear and slight signs of age consistent with the object’s age.

Dimensions:
Height: 26 cm
Diameter at the neck: 11.5 cm