AN ITALIAN MARBLE MODEL OF THE 'WARWICK' VASE

The Warwick Vase, a colossal marble vase from the 2nd century AD, became one of the most celebrated pieces of antiquity. The vase, measuring nearly six feet high, was excavated in 1770 from a lake at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli and acquired by Sir William Hamilton, antiquarian and Ambassador to Naples. It was later sold to the Earl of Warwick who installed it on the grounds of Warwick Castle. In 1778, Piranesi produced an engraving of the vase which subsequently served as inspiration for reproductions in silver, bronze marble, etc., throughout the 19th century.