- 126
A cameo carving of Barbarossa, Italy, probably Venice, 16th century
Estimate
60,000 - 70,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- agate
the agate finely carved, depicting Barbarossa wearing a large turban
Condition
In overall good condition, some very minor scratches to external edges, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Khayr al-Din (Khidir) Pasha, known as Barbarossa, and whose reputation spanned infamy and authority, was integral to the establishment of Ottoman maritime dominance in the Mediterranean. He was a hero to the Ottoman Empire, and both feared and respected by the Christians around the Mediterranean, known not only as a fearsome admiral but as a man of generosity and prudence (El, IV, p.1155-58).
Owing to his status as well as his distinctive features, Barbarossa’s portrait often appears on printed woodcuts, paintings, and more rarely, on cameos such as the present example. The height of his notoriety was reached as a result of Charles V’s attack and capture of Tunis in 1535, which stimulated a great demand for portraits of the protagonists of whom Barbarossa was amongst the most important (Klinger and Raby 1989, p.51). This particular depiction, showing him at a slight angle, was probably inspired by a famous print by the Venetian artist Agostino Veneziano, dated 1535, which brings out his ‘penetrating’ gaze and ‘ferociously’ bristling beard and moustache (see Süleyman the Magnificent, exh. catalogue, New York, 1987, no.5, p.52).
Owing to his status as well as his distinctive features, Barbarossa’s portrait often appears on printed woodcuts, paintings, and more rarely, on cameos such as the present example. The height of his notoriety was reached as a result of Charles V’s attack and capture of Tunis in 1535, which stimulated a great demand for portraits of the protagonists of whom Barbarossa was amongst the most important (Klinger and Raby 1989, p.51). This particular depiction, showing him at a slight angle, was probably inspired by a famous print by the Venetian artist Agostino Veneziano, dated 1535, which brings out his ‘penetrating’ gaze and ‘ferociously’ bristling beard and moustache (see Süleyman the Magnificent, exh. catalogue, New York, 1987, no.5, p.52).