coupe en vermeil et argent, poinçon ZHC entrelacés sous une croix, probablement Venise ou ses territoires, XVIe siècle

le centre bombé repoussé et ciselé du jugement de Pâris, le pied décoré de godrons, le dessous aux initiales NP et MP, poinçons sur le corps et le pieddomed centre embossed and chased with the Judgement of Paris, cast and raised foot incorporating gadroons and beading, underside scratched initials NP and MP, marked on body and foot



domed centre embossed and chased with the Judgement of Paris, cast and raised foot incorporating gadroons and beading, underside scratched initials NP and MP, marked on body and foot

Very good marks on body and tazza, a few little dents and some scratches, but basically in very good condition, with a wonderful colour of gilding. Very rare item
"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."

L'origine vénitienne de cette coupe se base sur deux arguments: ses poinçons et son pied. Un des poinçons est ZHC une croix dessus, poinçon connu mais qui reste non identifié. Ce poinçon se trouve en effet sur un pot à eau en argent, conservé sur l'île de Patmos (correspondance privée), insculpé également du poinçon de contrôle de Venise, le Lion de St Marc (voir détail). Par ailleurs, le pied de la coupe offerte est en tout point semblable à celui d'un pot conservé à l'Art Insitute of Chicago (voir lot 358 pour illustration). Ce dernier provient de la même collection privée de Patmos que la coupe et est insculpé du Lion de St Marc.

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There are two principal reasons for the ascription of  this tazza to the Venetian empire. The mark and the foot. The marks include ZHC under a cross (see detail) which is unidentified, but not unknown. The same mark can be found on a silver jug, situated now on the island of Patmos (private correspondence) which is also struck with a Venetian lion of St. Mark control (see detail). In addition the foot on the present tazza is strikingly similar to the foot of another jug now in the Art institute of Chicago (see lot 358). This latter jug was formerly in the same Patmos family collection as the present tazza and also includes a lion of St. Mark control.