The Charles Townley Vase Only - Roman Marble Bacchic Vase

The Vase That Inspired Keats

The Charles Townley Vase is one of the most celebrated works of classical antiquity—a Roman marble vase of the 2nd century AD, believed to have been one of the main inspirations for the Romantic poet John Keats (1795-1821) when he wrote his immortal "Ode on a Grecian Urn" in 1819:

What men or gods are these? What maidens loth?
What mad pursuit? What struggle to escape?
What pipes and timbrels? What wild ecstasy?

John Keats, 'Ode on a Grecian Urn' (1819)

A Bacchic Scene in High Relief

An adapted form of the Greek volute-krater, this vase is decorated in high relief with a vivid Bacchic scene featuring the rustic deity Pan, Bacchus himself, and his wild followers—both male satyrs and female maenads—in a state of divine frenzy and ecstasy. The energy and drama of the carved figures bring the ancient world to life with extraordinary immediacy and skill, every figure alive with movement and passion.

Found at Monte Cagnolo, Near Rome

Discovered at a villa at Monte Cagnolo near Rome, the vase was found in numerous fragments by Gavin Hamilton—Charles Townley's agent in Italy—together with other sculptures in a large villa, having been "thrown promiscuously into one room about ten feet under ground." The vase was painstakingly reconstructed "with great attention, as the work deserves" and purchased by the celebrated collector Charles Townley (1737-1805) for £250 in 1774.

The Townley Collection Legacy

Charles Townley was one of the greatest collectors of classical antiquities in 18th-century Britain, and this vase became one of the most admired pieces in his celebrated collection. The vase takes its name from this distinguished provenance, cementing its place in the history of British collecting and Grand Tour culture.

The Perfect Display Size

At 38 cm tall, this version strikes the ideal balance between presence and versatility—substantial enough to command attention as a centrepiece, yet perfectly proportioned for library shelves, mantle displays, console tables, and curated collections. Also available in a grand 52 cm statement size and a collectable 18 cm miniature.

Handmade in England

Crafted by Sculptured Arts Studio in Staffordshire, England, using premium marble.

Specifications:

• Height: 38 cm
• Width: 23 cm
• Material: Marble
• Handmade in England by Sculptured Arts Studio
• Roman, 2nd century AD
• Found at Monte Cagnolo, near Rome
• Named after collector Charles Townley (1737-1805)
• Purchased by Townley for £250 in 1774
• Believed inspiration for Keats's "Ode on a Grecian Urn" (1819)
• Also available in 52 cm and 18 cm sizes

A distinguished piece that connects your home to one of the most romantic stories in the history of art, classical collecting, and English Romantic poetry.