Pair of Grand Tour Models after the Medici Vase

A distinguished pair of Grand Tour models after the Medici Vase, these early nineteenth-century works display the finest Neo-Classical style, encapsulating the grandeur and artistic reverence of Italy’s classical revival. Crafted in bronze, these vases exemplify the tradition of collecting souvenirs during the Grand Tour era—a practice beloved amongst discerning travellers in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Origin: Italy

Date: Circa 1820

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: Height: 35 cm (13.8 ins); Diameter: 24 cm (9.5 ins)

Condition: Excellent antique condition with an attractive patina and well-preserved detail.

These bronze classical vases evoke the celebrated Medici Vase, whose marble original is housed in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence. The design was so admired that it became an established motif amongst sculptors and bronze artists seeking to satisfy the tastes of European aristocrats returning from the Grand Tour. Notably, while both vases display elegant handles for a complementary pairing, one is a version of the equally esteemed Borghese Vase, further enhancing their rarity and collecting appeal. Comparable examples can be found in prominent museum and private collections, bearing witness to their enduring relevance and desirability.

Notable Features:

• Exquisite campana-form bodies with distinctive egg-and-dart rims
• Finely cast classical figures in profile, each detail expertly rendered
• Reeded handles culminating in bold moulded masques
• Ornamental acanthus leaf decorations and fluting on square bases

With their crisp Neo-Classical references, these Grand Tour models after the Medici Vase display the refined symmetry and balance characteristic of the period. The harmonious blend of elaborate ornamentation and strict formality echoes the artistry of leading nineteenth-century Italian bronze makers, making them especially attractive to connoisseurs of fine works of art. Their scale is both striking and practical—substantial enough to serve as centrepieces, yet versatile for elegant display on a mantel or pedestal.

Collecting value is assured through their exceptional craftsmanship, limited availability on the market, and association with the iconic Medici and Borghese vases. Whether sought as the focal point for a period interior or as a highlight in an established collection, these 19th-century bronze vases are an outstanding acquisition for admirers of Grand Tour style and Neo-Classical decorative arts.