Grand Tour Neapolitan vase after the Antique Attributed to De Angelis

Grand Tour Neapolitan Vase After the Antique – Grand Tour Sculpture

A captivating example of late 19th-century Italian artistry, this Grand Tour Neapolitan bronze vase embodies the fascination with the classical world so prevalent during the Victorian period. Crafted in Naples circa 1900, it echoes the form and elegance of antique amphorae, perfectly suited to the tastes of discerning travellers seeking mementoes of the ancient world during their Grand Tours.

Origin: Italy, Naples
Date: Circa 1900
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: Height 43 cm (17 ins)
Condition: Romantic patina with signs of age; original base label removed

This distinguished Grand Tour Sculpture draws inspiration from antique models, part of a tradition made famous by Neapolitan makers such as De Angelis. The amphora form, with its graceful proportions and classical detailing, mirrors renowned pieces in major museum collections. Its gently weathered surface and subtle marks of age point towards the genuine affection for all things ancient that captivated collectors at the dawn of the twentieth century.

Notable Features:

• Exquisite bronze casting displaying refined modelling in the handles and body
• Amphora-shaped design, reminiscent of archaeological finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum
• Collectable rarity, especially when attributed to Neapolitan artisans in the Grand Tour taste
• Characterful patina and the elusive presence of a removed maker’s label, hinting at storied provenance

The craftsmanship is particularly evident in the vessel's sculpted curves and the intricate treatment of the handles, demonstrating technical virtuosity associated with Naples’ leading bronze foundries. The design references ancient Roman decorative art, with balanced symmetry and a timeless profile that appeals to admirers of neoclassical style.

Grand Tour vases such as this are highly valued amongst collectors of nineteenth-century decorative arts. Their scale and historical resonance ensure they remain sought-after focal points for both display and serious connoisseurship. This Grand Tour sculpture stands as an atmospheric addition to any curated collection, lending a sense of antiquity and cultural curiosity to interiors or as a highlight within a specialist bronze assemblage.