- 52
Dutch, late 17th century and later
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description
- twelve piece set of cutlery with figured handles
- ivory and steel
Condition
Overall the condition of the cutlery is very good. There is some slight wear to the metal consistent with age and handling. All pieces but knife no. 1 (far left in the catalogue) have a minor split running through the ivory from the joint with the metal.
"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
This set of knives and forks with figured ivory handles are typical of Dutch seventeenth century craftsmanship. The choice of gods and goddesses from classical mythology is characteristic of the genre. Sets of a single knife and fork with figures of Mars and Diana were popular wedding gifts. The figures of Mars in the present set can be closely compared to a figure of the same subject in a wedding set in the Walters Art Gallery Baltimore, dating to 1698 from an Amsterdam workshop. The two pronged fork remained prevalent well into the 18th century.
RELATED LITERATURE
R. Randall, Masterpieces of Ivory from the Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore 1985, no. 395, p. 256