A 19th century Italian bronze tripod Athenienne, the circular bowl with a frieze of Minoan Bull's heads, the monopodiae with winged sphinx surmounts on concave stand, united by scroll stretchers -- 36½in. high.

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A 19th century Italian bronze tripod Athenienne, the circular bowl with a frieze of Minoan Bull's heads, the monopodiae with winged sphinx surmounts on concave stand, united by scroll stretchers -- 36½in. high.

Lot Essay

The design of this bronze tripod is taken from the Pompeiian antique prototype in the collection of the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Naples.

The classical stand proved popular in the 19th century and copies of it were produced for many practical uses. An example was manufactured for use at the baptism of the King of Rome in 1811. Another, presented to the Empress Marie-Louise by the people of Milan, was made entirely of ormolu and lapis lazuli.

The latter example is illustrated in Vergoldete Bronzen, Ottomeyer/Pröschel, Klinkhardt & Biermann, plate 5.9.1.

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