New Hypotheses on the Origins of the Denon Collection: A Ceramic Assemblage Decorated by the Copenhagen Group?
Résumé
This poster proposes new hypotheses on the origins of ancient vases collected by Dominique Vivant Denon during his stay in southern Italy (1777-1785). Denon's collection, now partly housed in Sèvres (Musée national de Céramique), includes vases attributed to artists associated with the Copenhagen Group, followers of the Patera Painter. We argue that a set of vases in Denon's collection may have come from a single funerary assemblage of late 4th century BCE from coastal Peucetia (near Bari), based on stylistic parallels with known tomb assemblages from Bitonto, Ceglie del Campo, Conversano, and Rutigliano. Detailed comparisons with archaeological finds - such as tomb 4/1981 of Bitonto - reveal similarities in decoration, motifs (notably head vases and gutti with Heracles or Zeus medallions), and workshop connections. The poster argues that Denon may have purchased this set of vases, possibly looted, during his documented stay in Bari in 1778. The study also explores the funerary meaning of these vases and iconography, suggesting an intended display of grace, culture, and heroic symbolism for the deceased. The hypothesis is supported by Denon's own travel writings and by stylistic links with other Peucetian tomb contexts.
