Pair of Vases

An interest in classical imagery, due in part to the mid-18th century discovery and excavation of ancient Roman cities Herculaneum and Pompeii, evolved in the early-19th century into the neoclassical decorative art style exemplified by this pair of urn-shaped vases. These vases were used at Hickory Hill, the Hanover County, Virginia, home of William Fanning Wickham (1793–1880), eldest son of John Wickham (1763–1839) and his first wife, Mary Smith Fanning (1775–1799).