- 105
Michael May II Romanian parcel-gilt silver beaker
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description
- silver
- 17.3cm, 6 ¾ in high
ribbed and fluted into eight panels engraved with Régence ornament on matting, intialled CS and dated 1739, ornament repeated at the detachable foot, gilt interior, body with French post-1893 import mark
Provenance
Christies Geneva, Nov 15 1994, lot 74
Literature
Exh. Cat. Couven-Museum Aachen, 2003, no. 122
Condition
light wear to highlights, nicks etc but generally very good condition, lovely colour. very nice decoration.
"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
An identical parcel-gilt beaker by Michael May II is in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum inv. HG 11773. Similarly to the Istvan Heller example which is initialled CS and dated 1739 the GNM beaker is initialled HS and dated 1729. It seems possible that both beakers were made for the same family. See: Exhibition catalogue, Deutsche Goldschmiedekunst vom 15 Bis Zum 20. Jahrhundert aus Dem Germanischen Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg, 1987, no. 72.
Michael May II was trained by his father, Andreas May, and was a journeyman on 7 November 1718. He spent several years travelling abroad and worked in Paris, which is where he perfected his Régence style. He became a master goldsmith in 1731. He trained his three sons, Michael, Johann Andreas and Samuel, as goldsmiths and also trained Christian Schnell and Marcus Drauth. After 1769, he held several positions in his local guild of goldsmiths. He died in 1776.
Michael May II was trained by his father, Andreas May, and was a journeyman on 7 November 1718. He spent several years travelling abroad and worked in Paris, which is where he perfected his Régence style. He became a master goldsmith in 1731. He trained his three sons, Michael, Johann Andreas and Samuel, as goldsmiths and also trained Christian Schnell and Marcus Drauth. After 1769, he held several positions in his local guild of goldsmiths. He died in 1776.