Estimate

1.800 - 2.200

Session 2

26 March 2026

Hammer Price

Description

Istoriato maiolica, of flattened pyriform shape, with narrow neck, raised foot and two handles moulded as grotesque masks of intense expression, surmounted by serpents forming sinuous coils. Both sides of the body with polychrome decoration depicting Bacchic compositions, directly inspired by two engravings by Michel Dorigny (Saint-Quentin, 1616/17 - Paris, 1665) from the series Recueil de Douze Bacchanales, published by Basan (Robert-Dumesnil nos. 5 and 6). Italy, Casteldurante or Pesaro, Marche, 17th–18th century (losses to handles and cover; minor defects)

40x30x14 cm

Additional Information

This pilgrim flask is a notable example of istoriato maiolica in the Italian tradition originating in the 16th century. The rich decoration with Bacchic scenes is derived from two engravings from the Bacchanales series by Michel Dorigny (1616–1665), French engraver and son-in-law of Simon Vouet, published in Paris c. 1654–1665. The identification of these iconographic sources allows the piece to be dated from c. 1660. The highly expressive grotesque masks and the sinuous coils of the serpents forming the handles give this flask an unusual sculptural quality. A piece of comparable typology - an ovoid two-handled vase, also attributed to Casteldurante/Pesaro - is in the collection of the Musée du Louvre (inv. no. OA 1898), with provenance from the celebrated collection of the Marquis Campana.

Provenance:


Exhibitions:


Literature:
A.P.F. Robert-Dumesnil, Le Peintre-graveur français, Paris, 1835–1871, nos. 5 and 6