Workshop of Luigi Valadier (1726–1785)
Design for a Porphyry Vase with Candlesticks, ca. 1772
Pen, ink, and watercolor on paper
11 × 6 1/2 in. (279 × 166 mm)
Museo Napoleonico, Rome
© Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali — Museo Napoleonico
The vase depicted here would have had a dual use. It was fitted with branches for candles, but its lid also could be removed and the vase filled with flowers. This highly finished drawing is one of many by Valadier depicting vases decorated with lions’ masks holding rings in their mouths. Several vases following this design, in different materials, are known.