A PAIR OF LATE EMPIRE ORMOLU 'MEDICI' VASES, ON PEDESTALS

These impressive vases, of wine-krater form are inspired by the celebrated Antique marble 'Borghese' and 'Medici' originals from the first century A.D and named for the noble families to whom they later belonged. The crisp quality of the chasing and overall design of these vases also closely relates to the work of the celebrated bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843). A very similar pair of vases signed by Thomire was sold Sotheby's, Monaco, 7 December 1983, lot 1803.