April - May 2023

Piranesian DESIGN

A combination of archaeological erudition and Rococo caprice

Recreating, reinventing, recycling Antiquity.

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.

The Exhibition

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

Piranesian DESIGN

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.

Roman Sculptor - Pair of Urn-Shaped Vases Decorated with the Four Seasons

A selection of marble sculptures, from the Sacred to the Profane.

Learn more
about us