AN ITALIAN BRECCIA AFRICANO MARBLE VASE

This impressive vase was possibly supplied to Lord Meath by his Italian agent, the painter Gaspare Gabrielli. Gabrielli had initially been brought to Ireland from Rome to work on Lyons Demesne, Co. Kildare for the architect Richard Morrison. This relationship with Morrison appears to have continued after Gabrielli's return to Rome in circa 1820, when he became a dealer in works of art. He supplied chimneypieces and works of art to Morrison houses, including Kilruddery and Ballyfin, and it is likely that the present lot was placed within the 'Grand Tour' inspired sculpture gallery Morrison designed for Lord Meath at Kilruddery.