This magnificent pair of porcelain vases was crafted by the Royal Vienna Porcelain Manufactory, the second-oldest porcelain producer in Europe, founded in 1718. Highly sought after by elite collectors, the manufactory’s creations are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and artistic excellence.
Designed in an elegant baluster form, each vase is meticulously hand-painted with historical scenes, set against a rich deep navy ground. The slender necks are adorned with intricate gilded geometric patterns, further embellished with tied ribbons and raised gilded jewels, a highly prized feature in porcelain artistry. Matching porcelain lids, crowned with a pinecone finial, complete the sophisticated design, while the spreading socle bases echo the decorative motifs of the necks.
Each vase features one of the four historical scenes rendered in vibrant hues. The first depicts King Charles V liberating Christian slaves in Tunis, inspired by a 19th century engraving by Nicaise de Keyser (Belgian, 1813-1887). The second portrays the Battle of Bouvines (1214), after an 1827 painting by Horace Vernet (French, 1789-1863). The third, based on a 1782 print by Benjamin West (American, 1738-1820), illustrates Oliver Cromwell dissolving the Long Parliament. The final panel reinterprets the 1866 painting ‘Rejtan’ (also known as ‘Fall of Poland’) by Jan Matejko (Polish, 1838-1893), representing the first partition of Poland in 1773. The Austrian artists have enhanced the originals with bolder, more luminous colours, lending the scenes a dynamic yet less dramatic quality.
The pair stands on porcelain plinths, their sides decorated in a similar manner to the necks and feature oval cartouches with additional painted vignettes. The undersides of the lids bear inscriptions of the depicted scenes, including Der Letzte Reichstag zu Warschau (The last parliament in Warsaw), Karl V als Befreier der Christlichen Sklaven in Tunis (Charles V as liberator of the Christian slaves in Tunis), Cromwell Verhindert die Verfolgung des Waldenser (Cromwell prevents the persecution of the Waldensians), Bataille de Bouvines (Battle of Bouvines).
Each piece is marked with a blue ‘FD/ VIENNA / AUSTRIA’ mark for Franz Dörfl. The paintings are also signed 'F.Dörfl'.
With their impressive scale, historical significance, and exceptional artistry, this pair of vases represents a remarkable acquisition for collectors with a passion for European history and fine porcelain.
