Large pair of vases “Harbours views”, attrib. Capodimonte in Naples

A superb pair of large ovoid vases depicting harbour scenes, with handles ending in the heads of helmeted warriors. Depictions of the ports of Naples and Genoa. Wine-red ground. The rear is beautifully decorated with floral baskets engraved in gold. Attributed to the Capodimonte workshop during the period of its superb Neoclassical production.

Dimensions: H 39cm – base 12cm x 12cm

Naples, circa 1815–1830.

History: Founded in 1743 in Naples by Charles of Bourbon, King of Naples and future Charles III of Spain, the Royal Capodimonte Porcelain Manufactory established itself from the outset as one of the great institutions of European porcelain, rivalling the famous productions of Meissen. Housed in the outbuildings of the palace of the same name, on the hills overlooking the city of Naples, it benefited from the outset from a soft, highly refined porcelain body and exceptional artists, such as the sculptor Giuseppe Gricci, who forged its stylistic identity. In 1759, when Charles ascended the Spanish throne, he took his craftsmen and moulds with him, transferring production to the Buen Retiro in Madrid. Naples had to wait until 1771 to see its manufactory revived under Ferdinand I.

It was from 1780 onwards, under the direction of the archaeologist Domenico Venuti and thanks to the arrival of the sculptor Filippo Taglioni, that the manufactory experienced its true golden age. Taglioni produced neoclassical compositions of his own design in bisque, which became famous, whilst sumptuous table services adorned the royal table. The influence of the excavations at nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum was keenly felt: the factory developed collections inspired by ancient ceramics, notably Etruscan-style services highly sought after by wealthy private collectors of the time. Naples, a crossroads of the European Grand Tour, thus became a centre of antiquarian taste.