Piranesian DESIGN
A combination of archaeological erudition and Rococo caprice
For the Milano Design Week we are focusing on a pair of Urn-Shaped Vases in the tradition of “Piranesi vases” where archaeological research and erudition are accompanied by innovation and a taste for caprice, clearly derived from the Rococo style.
For this occasion the gallery will be dressed in white and present a selection of marble sculptures, from the Sacred to the Profane.
Piranesian DESIGN
Walter Padovani
Via Santo Spirito 26/A, Milan
Tel. +39.02.76.31.89.07
Opening hours:
Monday 3.00 pm – 7.00 pm
Tuesday / Saturday 10.30 am – 1.00 pm / 3.00 pm – 7.00 pm
Roman Sculptor
Pair of Urn-Shaped Vases Decorated with the Four Seasons
Marble; height 63 cm, diameter 30 cm
Rome, ca. 1770-80
The vases are composed of three parts: a foot, body and cover.
The fluted baluster foot, with a smooth torus and a lip with egg motifs, rests on a square plinth.
The central part is decorated with acanthus tendrils and the two sides of each vase present oval medallions
with a frame of little leaves, containing depictions of the seasons: one vase has Winter and Spring, the other Summer and Autumn.
The lower part of the body is decorated with gadroons, lanceolate leaves and bearded male masks.
The cover with a phytomorphic knob is adorned with spiral fluting.
These vases belong to the tradition of “Piranesi vases” in which archaeological research and erudition are accompanied
by inventiveness and a taste for caprice, clearly derived from the Rococo style.
