Since the time of Antiquity, porphyry was one of the most highly regarded materials due to its rarity and great beauty, making it ideal for ornamental objects intended for the palaces of royalty and the aristocracy. The form and decoration of this example combine curving striations and gadroons. It is the pair to another similar one, also in the Prado (O496). Perhaps it comes from the collection of Don Gaspar Méndez de Haro, Marquis del Carpio, viceroy in Naples from 1683 to 1687. Previously he was ambassador to Rome, where he acquired some sculptures. This city in the "Seicento" had almost the prerogative in the elaboration of the porphyry.