Vase (one of a pair) 18th century

Editor: Here we have a pair of marble vases from the 18th century, crafted by Pierre Gouthière. They have this beautiful Rococo flair, so ornate! What catches your eye most about these, in terms of how we can interpret them? Curator: Beyond their clear decorative function, consider how these vases, as pairs, evoke themes of balance and harmony – ideals prevalent during the Enlightenment. The marble itself, think about the implications – its veined pattern, the story in the stone. The stone is a material extracted from the earth; a fragment of nature, shaped by man. Editor: I didn't think about the Enlightenment. The balance and symmetry really reinforce that. Curator: The decorative details -- notice the handles shaped like grapevines – what feelings do they stir? How do the vines play into historical, artistic or even mythological narratives? What do grapes bring to mind? Editor: Fertility? Bacchus, the Roman god of wine? Curator: Precisely! So the artist subtly embeds symbols of abundance, celebration, maybe even a hint of earthly pleasures within these seemingly simple vessels. Consider their display within a grand home of the era - vessels brimming with symbolic weight, sparking conversation, communicating status and intellect. Editor: So, even something “decorative” carries layers of meaning beyond just looking pretty? Curator: Absolutely! They are testaments to their time, echoes of cultural values embedded in marble and bronze. Always look deeper; it’s worth the journey! Editor: I’ll never look at decorative art the same way. It's incredible how much symbolism can be woven into something seemingly straightforward.