- 89
An Italian silver "winged devil" paper knife, Castellani from the design of Michaelangelo Caetani, Rome, circa 1850
Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- one wing stamped with mid 19th century Rome city mark
- length 8 3/4 in.
- 22.3cm
modeled as a bearded devil with his hands crossed across his chest, his tail wrapped twice around his body and ending under his feat, the blade formed by partly-chased wings
Literature
Castellani and Italian Archaelogical Jewelry, The Bard Graduate Center, New York, 2004, p. 42, fig. 2-14 (design drawing and other silver "devil" version)
Condition
good condition, nicely modeled
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Around 1842 Michaelangelo Caetani designed a paperknife for Fortunato Pio Castellani, founder of the firm, in the form of a bearded, winged devil, his tail wrapped around his body; Caetani's design is reproduced in the Bard catalogue, fig. 2-14.
The silver "devil" paper knife from that exhibition already shows several differences from Caetani's drawing. That the model was produced in multiples is evident from the letter written by Harriet, Countess Granville, to her brother the 6th Duke of Devonshire (the Bachelor Duke):
"The novelties here now are things made from designs by Michaelangelo Caetani - there are leaf openers, one an angel, the other a devil. Castellani makes them in silver a hundred francs each."