Lot Essay
This plaster vase is a copy of a porphyry model probably dating from the second half of the 18th century and originally belonging to the the Duc d'Aumont. It is presently in the Louvre, Paris. For an illustration see Alvar Gonzalez-Palacios Il Tempio del Gusto, Longanesi & C., Milan 1984, Volume II, p.147, fig.333. The Duc was one of Louis XV's closest friends and a patron of Gouthière. He played a key role in introducing Neo-Classicism into French Court circles. For a discussion of his career and influence see Svend Eriksen Early Neo-Classicism in France, Faber, London 1974, pp.148-149.
