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    Possibly over 2,000 years old (though it's been argued that it might be of Renaissance vintage), this elegant item is said to have been found in an emperor's tomb. First mentioned in a letter to a great Flemish painter, it belonged to the early patron of a pugnacious Italian artist, then to the family of an extravagant Pope, and was made famous by a well-known potter. At one point, it ended up in quite a few pieces. What is it, and in the work of what sci fi writer is it mentioned?

    Question #81223. Asked by lanfranco. (May 30 07 4:22 PM)


    Flem-ish

    		The pugnacious artist might be Caravaggio. The great Flemish writer..well if you say great Rubens might be involved. Brueghel was probably not much of a letter-writer. Extravagant Pope..sounds like a Medici or a Borgia Pope.Oh I have it. Must be the Portland Vase.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_Vase
    Portland Vase - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

    May 31 07, 8:41 AM
    lanfranco

    		But yes, Flem-ish. Caravaggio and Rubens are correct, the extravagant Pope was Urban VIII Barberini, and the vase is the Portland.

    I own a piece of Wedgwood inspired by this vase. A nice box of shards to you -- you can piece them together if you have any spare time.

    May 31 07, 8:51 AM
    Flem-ish

    		Well ..the Emperor was Alexaander Severus.
    The letter was sent to P.P. Rubens.
    The pugnacious artist was Caravaggio.
    His patron: Cardinal Francesco Maria del Monte.
    The extravagant Pope: Urban the VIII.
    The well-known potter Josiah Wegdwood.
    ANd the science fiction author was Arthur C.Clarke and his story was: All the Time in the World.
    The vase fell to pieces on February 2,1845.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_Vase
    Portland Vase - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

    May 31 07, 8:52 AM
    Flem-ish

    		Shards bring luck, they say especially if you hear the shattering, because it is the loud noise that drives away the evil spirits.

    May 31 07, 9:44 AM

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