Warwick Vase on Pedestal
Wilton-Ely No. 889
30.75 x 21.75 inches, overall
28 x 18.75 inches, plate mark
Wilton-Ely No. 889
30.75 x 21.75 inches, overall
28 x 18.75 inches, plate mark
Print by Piranesi depicting the mammoth 10-foot Warwick Vase, created in ancient Rome, which was uncovered from the bottom of Lake Tivoli, near Hadrian's Villa in 1770. The vase features classical bacchal masks and associated emblems such as a pine-cone tip staff known as a thysrus, together with classical leaves and intertwined naturalistic handles, raised on a square plinth. This print is dedicated to Sir William Hamilton, the special consul to Naples, who was well known for his famous collection of antiquities including terra cotta vases and for a time owned the vase. Hamilton gave it to his nephew, the Earl of Warwick, and the original stood at Warwick Castle until the 1970s, when it was sold to the Burrell Collection in Glasgow, where it is now on display.
Wilton-Ely Description: "Large vase found at the Pantanello, Hadrian's Villa, Tivoli, in 1770 (The "Warwick Vase"). Front view with pedestal. Dedicated 'A Sua Exxellenza il Sig. Cav. Hamilton Ministro Plenipotenziario della M'ta. Di Giorgio III. Re. della Gran Brettagna presso alla M'ta di Ferdinando IV RE delle due Sicilie…' Signature, lower left."