Lot Essay
The inscription reads "From GAVIN ASTOR to his Father on being created BARON ASTOR OF HEVER, 1st January, 1956".
The Bacchanalian frieze with festive figures is inspired by that on the 'Borghese' vase which together with the 'Medici' vase are the most famous vases of Antiquity. Reduced bronze versions of this vase were manufactured by the bronze founders Giovanni and Gincomo Zoffoli in the 18th century. The vine-wreathed rim is likely to have been inspired by that of another famous 'Bacchic' vase, discovered at the Emperor Hadrian's villa in 1770 and known as the 'Warwick' vase.
The Bacchanalian frieze with festive figures is inspired by that on the 'Borghese' vase which together with the 'Medici' vase are the most famous vases of Antiquity. Reduced bronze versions of this vase were manufactured by the bronze founders Giovanni and Gincomo Zoffoli in the 18th century. The vine-wreathed rim is likely to have been inspired by that of another famous 'Bacchic' vase, discovered at the Emperor Hadrian's villa in 1770 and known as the 'Warwick' vase.