19th Century Antique Italian Marble Bacchanalian Urns Pair

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Pair of Antique Italian Marble Bacchanalian Garden Urns: 19th Century or Older
After the Roman Antiquity, influences of the Medici … Read more Pair of Antique Italian Marble Bacchanalian Garden Urns: 19th Century or Older
After the Roman Antiquity, influences of the Medici and Borghese Vases

A superb and architecturally scaled pair of antique Italian marble garden urns, executed in the 19th century in the celebrated manner of the ancient Roman Borghese and Medici Vases—among the most influential sculptural forms of classical antiquity. Carved in luminous pale marble, likely Carrara, each urn is encircled by a richly modeled Bacchanalian frieze, depicting nude male figures engaged in ritual, music, and revelry associated with Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, fertility, and abundance.

The dynamic figural procession is framed above by a continuous garland of grapevines and trailing leaves, a symbolic reference to harvest and vitality. Below, the composition transitions into a deeply gadrooned bowl punctuated by bold satyr mascarons, their expressive faces emerging from the stone with remarkable vitality. These mythological beings—companions of Bacchus—anchor the composition both visually and symbolically, reinforcing themes of nature, instinct, and indulgence.

Each urn rises from an elegantly fluted socle and is set upon a substantial square marble plinth, giving the pair a strong architectural presence. The carving throughout exhibits notable depth and undercutting, particularly in the figures and vine work, indicating true hand-carved craftsmanship rather than later cast or composite production. Surface patina, mineral staining, and interior wear are consistent with age and outdoor use, lending authenticity and character.

Monumental in scale—approximately 39.5 inches high and 24 inches in diameter, with 12.5-inch square bases—these urns are ideally suited for flanking an entrance, defining a garden axis, or anchoring a refined interior. Their classical vocabulary pairs effortlessly with traditional, neoclassical, or Palm Beach-style environments.

Condition: Weathered surface with expected age-related wear, minor losses, and natural patination consistent with outdoor exposure. Structurally sound and ready to place.

An exceptional and highly decorative pair, embodying the enduring language of classical design.

39.5" high, 25" diameter
The base is 12.5" square.

Fresh from a Palm Beach estate.

Further Notes:
Each urn weighs in excess of 500 pounds, retaining a beautiful, well-worn weather patina. Due to age and size, there are old cosmetic repairs; the urns are structurally sound and ready to place. See less