The Portland Vase

The Portland Vase

Detail of 'Aquarius' by Virgil Finlay

Virgil Finlay made an astrological illustration inspired by (one part of) the Portland Vase. The drawing was made for the February 1968 issue of Astrology Magazine. It is for the sign Aquarius, and measures 5.75 by 575 inches.

Sketch

Astrological Illustration Aquarius by Virgil Finlay

The Portland Vase is about 25 centimeters high and 56 in circumference. It is made of violet-blue glass, and surrounded with a single continuous white glass cameo depicting seven figures (humans and gods).

The exact age and origin of the Portland Vase is unknown, yet it may well be the most famous cameo-glass vessel from antiquity. The vase depicts 2 scenes, each of which is open to several interpretations.

References:

• The Portland Vase at Wikipedia.
• The Portland Vase at The British Museum.