A silver-mounted carved ivory tankard, German, circa 1865

the sleeve very finely carved in relief with the 'Triumph of Alexander' , after the painting by Charles Le Brun, the handle and finial as warriors, the silver mounts embossed and chased with strapwork, fruit and foliage, gilt lining, German prestige marks

Tip of lance on finial has been broken and reglued but otherwise the tankard is in really excellent condition.
"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."

Alexander's bloodless and triumphant entry into Babylon was the final subject of a set of five paintings based on the life of Alexander executed by Le Brun for Louis XIV between 1661 and 1668. The king also commissioned a series of tapestries from the Gobelins factory adapted from the paintings and the designs were subsequently used on many different types of decorative art. See the previous page for an engraving by Gérard Autran (1640-1703), the print shown in reverse to be in the same direction as the original painting and the ivory carving on the tankard.