An Important 17th Century Italian bronze royal marriage urn bearing the combined arms of the House of Savoy and France.
Ovoid form with rounded stepped foot, the upper section molded with winged masques, the handles in the form of harpies, with coat-of-arms to either side.
H: 35.5 in. (including handles)
W: 26.5 in.
Dia: 15.5 in. (diameter at rim)
Provenance:
Heirloom & Howard Ltd., London, 1974
From the personal collection of a Florentine Gentleman Collector (acquired directly from above).
Note:
This urn was meant to symbolize the union of the House of Savoy with France, commemorating the marriage between Victor Amadeus I (1587-1637), Duke of Savoy, and Christine of France (1606-1663), or Victor Amadeus II (1666-1732), Duke of Savoy, and Anne Marie d’Orleans (1669-1728). The design of The Royal Palace of Turin, a seat of the House of Savoy, was overhauled and reconfigured by Christine of France in the 17th century, so it is possible that this urn was commissioned during this period. The palace collection presently includes other bronze urns of the same overall form, although with slightly different detailing.