- 66
Attributed to Giovanni Battista Metellino (active second half 17th century), Italian, Milan, circa 1700
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- tazza
- rock crystal with later enamelled gold mounts
- Italian, Milan, circa 1700
later carved with the arms of Johann Friedrich Karl, Graf von Ostein, Archbishop of Mainz (1748-1763)
Provenance
Sotheby's Monaco, 23 June 1976, lot 314
Condition
Overall the condition of the rock crystal is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are some naturally occurring inclusions in the rock crystal. There is some slight yellowing around the mount at the bird's neck. It is possible that the bird is reattached. The condition of the mounts is good with some dirt and wear consistent with age. One of the small gold supports on the underside of the base is lost.
"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 tazza can be closely compared with a number of pieces in the Musée du Louvre dating between 1685 and 1700 attributed to the Milanese workshop of Giovanni Battista Metellino as well as two documented vases in the Grünes Gewölbe, Dresden. His distinctive style often includes a lobed gadrooned bowl, a renaissance inspired zoomorphic handle together with the inclusion of incised insects amidst tiered foliate branches as in the present example.
The tazza was later engraved with the the arms of Johann Friedrich Karl, Graf von Ostein, who was Archbishop of Mainz between 1743 and 1763, on the underside of the bowl.
RELATED LITERATURE
D. Alcouffe, Les Gemmes de la Couronne, ex. cat. Musée du Louvre, Paris, 2001, pp. 470-493