Of an impressive size, this vase is rendered in white, a rare and highly desirable colourway for 19th century porcelain of this style. It is mounted on an ornate ormolu base of sculpted drapery, flora, and a fleur-de-lis crest. Signifying its French origin, the surface of the vase is also elaborately decorated with gold gilt fleur-de-lis patterns.
The large body of the vase is framed by two exquisitely detailed ormolu handles, each one surmounted by a seated cherub. The lid of the vase is topped with an exceptionally detailed finial of two intertwined doves on a nest of flowers.
The vase bears two delicately rendered paintings of iconic mythological scenes. One side depicts Venus and Mars, the ancient Greek Gods of love and war, in a luscious, heavenly scene. Mars has been disarmed, both literally and figuratively, by Venus and her attendants, emphasising the ability of love to conquer war. Throughout art history this mythological tale has been a popular device for commemorating weddings, the most famous example being Sandro Botticelli’s (c. 1445-1510) Venus and Mars now in the National Gallery in London.
The painting on the reverse depicts the legend of Perseus and Andromeda. Chained to a rock at sea, Andromeda has been sacrificed to save her city from the sea monster Cetus, but upon seeing her, the hero Perseus slays the beast and sets her free, falling in love with Andromeda in the process.
On the Venus side, the painting is signed in the lower right: ‘B. Fuchs’.
The exquisite details of this vase come together to create a compelling narrative of chivalry and romance, making it a wonderful addition to any interior space.
