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The Portland Vase, c5-25 AD
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The Portland Vase, c5-25 AD
The Portland Vase, c5-25 AD. Roman glass cameo vase. A partially clothed woman reclining under a tree. The general subject of the vase is love and marriage with a mythological theme. It may have been made as a wedding gift. It is not known exactly where and when the vase was found. It is recorded as being seen in 1601 when it was in the collection of Cardinal del Monte in Italy. After the cardinals death it was bought by the Barberini family where it remained for 150 years. Eventually, in 1778, it was purchased by William Hamilton, British Ambassador at the Court of Naples. He brought it to England and sold it to Margaret, dowager Duchess of Portland, less than two years later, in 1784. In 1786 it came into the hands of her son, the third Duke of Portland, and it was he who lent it to Josiah Wedgwood, who made it famous through various copies. From the collection of the British Museum, London
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Media ID 14875164
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Hamilton Josiah Josiah Wedgwood Monte Reclining Vase Wedgwood William Hamilton 1st Century Portland Vase Print Collector4 Sir William Hamilton
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This print showcases "The Portland Vase" a remarkable Roman glass cameo vase dating back to the 1st century AD. The vase depicts a partially clothed woman reclining under the shade of a tree, symbolizing love and marriage with its mythological theme. It is believed that this exquisite piece may have been created as a wedding gift due to its subject matter. The exact origin and discovery location of the vase remain unknown, but it was first documented in 1601 when it belonged to Cardinal del Monte in Italy. After his passing, it was acquired by the Barberini family and remained in their possession for 150 years. In 1778, British Ambassador William Hamilton purchased the vase during his time at the Court of Naples and brought it to England. Just two years later, he sold it to Margaret, dowager Duchess of Portland. In 1786, Margaret's son, the third Duke of Portland, inherited "The Portland Vase" and lent it to Josiah Wedgwood who gained immense fame through various copies he made. Today, this extraordinary artifact resides in the collection of the British Museum in London. This monochrome print beautifully captures every intricate detail of this ancient masterpiece while paying homage to those who played significant roles in preserving its legacy: William Hamilton, Josiah Wedgwood, Cardinal del Monte, and many others involved throughout history.
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