Glass vase with pomegranate fruit inspired by the glass jar with fruit fresco at Oplontis within the Villa of Poppaea, owned by the Emperor Nero. Poppaea was surrounded by extensive dignified and elegant gardens with majestic arcades. The fresco celebrates the abundance of fruits (probably grown within the gardens) and highlights the precious and sumptuous nature of the glass. Within the frescos of the Villa, realistic perspective is abandoned in favour of flatness of elongated forms which formed a kind of shrine around an often mythological central room scene.

39.5 w x 55 h cm (Framed 56 w x 71.5 h cm) Oil, mixed media and gesso on board in 19th Century Spanish gilt frame.