Lot 1107: Pr Wedgwood black & white jasperware Pegasus vases

Probably second half 19th century, with impressed uppercase marks ''WEDGWOOD'', after designs by John Flaxman, white jasper with black dip, each with a circular lid with Pegasus finial above a bulbous tapering body, with joined serpent handles above a Medusa mask, one decorated with the Apotheosis of Homer, the other with the Apotheosis of Virgil to one side, the reverse of each with a temple and palm tree, on a cylindrical base decorated with poetic muses, 2 pcs, overall, 24'' H x 10'' W x 9'' D. Literature: For a discussion on the 'Apotheosis of Homer' subject matter on the 18th century Pegasus vase in the collection of the British Museum, see A. Dawson ''Masterpieces of Wedgwood in the British Museum'', London, 1984, pp. 102-111. Note: The subject of the Apotheosis of Homer was first represented on a vase created by the Wedgwood firm in 1786. The design was based on renderings executed by John Flaxman, originally intended for production as a plaque. The companion vase depicting the Apotheosis of Virgil was modeled in 1790.A 19th century version of the Apotheosis of Homer vase, in white jasper with black dip, with slightly different embellishments on the edges, and a square base with griffin supports, is illustrated R. Reilly. ''Wedgwood Jasper''. New York, 1994, p. 263, fig. 378.A related vase, depicting the same subject, on a square base with griffin supports, is in the collection of the Lady Lever Art Gallery, Liverpool. A single vase of the same model as mentioned above sold Skinner, Boston, July 16, 2005, lot 198 ($15,275). A pair of black basalt vases without bases, depicting the same subjects as offered here, sold Christie's, London, November 20, 2008, lot 513 (10,625 British Pounds Sterling). Provenance: By repute, acquired from a gallery in Carmel, CA, circa 1950; thence by descent to the present family member

Literature: For a discussion on the 'Apotheosis of Homer' subject matter on the 18th century Pegasus vase in the collection of the British Museum, see A. Dawson ''Masterpieces of Wedgwood in the British Museum'', London, 1984, pp. 102-111

The vases alone- 18'' high. The stands: 6'' x 7''. Good condition overall. Decoration very nicely executed- highly detailed. General light marks and scratches commensurate with age. Cloud base of Pegasus finial to one with small firing crack to right side. Pegasus finial to other with right front hoof off and missing, and with repaired crack to left leg at hoof and elbow. A seam fluoresces under blacklight running back down the belly and around to back leg and tail of same. Possibly a repaired firing crack. With scattered minor and small areas of touch-up to black ground which are mostly only visible under blacklight. A 0.5'' overpainted abrasion at hip of body above lyre on Apotheosis of Homer. Other vase with two very fine, minor firing cracks to lip, on opposite sides. AS-IS. ALL SALES FINAL

Provenance: By repute, acquired from a gallery in Carmel, CA, circa 1950; thence by descent to the present family member

Note: The subject of the Apotheosis of Homer was first represented on a vase created by the Wedgwood firm in 1786. The design was based on renderings executed by John Flaxman, originally intended for production as a plaque. The companion vase depicting the Apotheosis of Virgil was modeled in 1790.A 19th century version of the Apotheosis of Homer vase, in white jasper with black dip, with slightly different embellishments on the edges, and a square base with griffin supports, is illustrated R. Reilly. ''Wedgwood Jasper''. New York, 1994, p. 263, fig. 378.A related vase, depicting the same subject, on a square base with griffin supports, is in the collection of the Lady Lever Art Gallery, Liverpool. A single vase of the same model as mentioned above sold Skinner, Boston, July 16, 2005, lot 198 ($15,275). A pair of black basalt vases without bases, depicting the same subjects as offered here, sold Christie's, London, November 20, 2008, lot 513 (10,625 British Pounds Sterling)