Pair of Empire Vases

Dimensions: H x D: 23 x 12 cm

Description:
Pair of delicate French Empire vases or cassolettes.

The square bases stand on small ball feet and are decorated with palmette friezes all round. A laurel wreath is applied to the front of each vase.
The side handles are designed as satyr heads and nestle softly against the body of the vase.

The main focus is on the antique scenes in bas-relief.
On one vase, we see two ladies dressed in light robes lifting a statue of winged Cupid onto a pedestal. The base of the pedestal shows Cupid's attributes - bow and quiver. The smoke rising from an offering vase in the background emphasises the ceremonial character of the scene.
The other relief shows a coronation scene. In the centre, seated on a klismos chair, we see a veiled woman, possibly a priestess. She is holding the laurel wreath in her left hand, her right index finger is raised in a gesture of power transmission. The crowned woman is kneeling at her feet with her arms folded. Another person, possibly a servant, can be seen on the far left.

Modelled on the shape of the Medici vase, the rim of the vase protrudes far over the top and is designed as a frieze of foliage arranged in rows.
The body of one vase is closed at the top, while the other has a recessed hollow body.

If you have any suggestions or additions regarding the scenes depicted, please let me know.

Condition:
Authentic, tidy and cleaned condition of the original fire gilding with age-appropriate rubbing.