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Director’s Choice – A Monumental George III Warwick Vase
Director’s Choice – Timo Koopman
A Monumental George III Warwick Vase
The detail and size of this Warwick Vase is exceptional. It is one of the earliest and largest examples known in silver. This commission pushes the boundaries of what is achievable and is an incredible triumph of the goldsmith. Measuring fifty-six centimetres or twenty-two inches in height, it weighs an astonishing 13,220 grammes or 425 troy ounces and 1 penny weight of silver. The vase has two large handles formed as interwoven vine branches, from which the tendrils, leaves, and clustering grapes spread around the upper margin and features classical Bacchic masks and associated emblems, such as the pine tip staff or thyrsus. The middle of the body encompasses the pelt of a panther, with head and claws, the cloak worn by Bacchus. Above are heads, all representing satyrs, except one, which is that of a female, traditionally said to have been substituted for a missing head and made by an Italian carver in the 18th century into the likeness of lady Hamilton; however, as the result of a supposed quarrel with her, the carver gave lady Hamilton’s head a fawn's ear. This monumental triumph rests on a square pedestal foot.
A Monumental George III Warwick Vase
The detail and size of this Warwick Vase is exceptional. It is one of the earliest and largest examples known in silver. This commission pushes the boundaries of what is achievable and is an incredible triumph of the goldsmith. Measuring fifty-six centimetres or twenty-two inches in height, it weighs an astonishing 13,220 grammes or 425 troy ounces and 1 penny weight of silver. The vase has two large handles formed as interwoven vine branches, from which the tendrils, leaves, and clustering grapes spread around the upper margin and features classical Bacchic masks and associated emblems, such as the pine tip staff or thyrsus. The middle of the body encompasses the pelt of a panther, with head and claws, the cloak worn by Bacchus. Above are heads, all representing satyrs, except one, which is that of a female, traditionally said to have been substituted for a missing head and made by an Italian carver in the 18th century into the likeness of lady Hamilton; however, as the result of a supposed quarrel with her, the carver gave lady Hamilton’s head a fawn's ear. This monumental triumph rests on a square pedestal foot.
