Italian Silver-Mounted Hardstone Centerpiece

This unique Italian hardstone centerpiece is a luxurious example of the Renaissance Revival style. The design is formed primarily from semiprecious stones — its bowl is carved from a lovely example of moss agate, while a large specimen of amethyst serves as its shaft. A celebration of Dionysian decadence, the parcel-gilt silver mounting abounds with bacchanalian motifs, from grape leaves to berries to grotesque masks carved from agate and jasper. The extraordinary piece is raised upon a silver gilt base, which has been hand-etched with a foliate motif and is further inset with more semiprecious stone.

In both material and style, it is exemplary of the revival of interest in the Renaissance art form during the mid-19th century. Classical themes, such as the bacchanalian motifs depicted here, provided design inspiration for a number of 19th-century artists, while architectural elements and classical shapes also experienced renewed popularity. Due to the expense of the materials and high level of craftsmanship necessary to execute this elaborate design style, the Renaissance Revival craze was almost solely reserved for the grand homes of the very wealthy.

Circa 1880

10 5/8" diameter x 13" high