Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A high-relief repoussé brass or bronze-alloy cup featuring a pastoral scene of bulls and olive trees. This is a 19th-century 'Grand Tour' souvenir modeled after the famous 15th-century BCE gold Vaphio cups discovered in a Mycenaean tholos tomb.
Story
Victorian travelers flocked to Greece to touch the roots of Western civilization. This cup recreates a 3,500-year-old gold masterpiece found in a Spartan tomb. It captures the ancient struggle between man and the wild bull.
Maker / Origin
While often unsigned, these were produced by skilled metalworkers in Athens or Naples for the luxury souvenir market. Firms like Gilliéron & Son specialized in these 'galvanoplastic' or hand-chased replicas to satisfy the era's obsession with archaeology.
Condition & Value
The cup shows a heavy aged patina and some minor compression/denting to the rim and base. This wear is consistent with a 100-year-old object and actually enhances its 'antique' character. Condition is average for its age. Value is driven by the 'Grand Tour' collector market.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.