L12315

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Lot 98
  • 98

Andreas Schüssler Slovakian parcel-gilt silver canister

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description

  • silver
  • 16.4cm, 6 ½ in high
hexagonal, the sides finely engraved with arrangements of flowering plants, birds and butterflies, circular screw-on cover with hinged handle, gilt interior

Literature

Exh. Cat. Couven-Museum Aachen, 2003, no. 40
Dr. István Heller and  Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schneider, article published in conjunction  with TEFAF Maastricht 2003, Masterpieces of European Goldsmiths’ works 1560-1860, Couven Museum, Aachen, 2003, pp. 16-21, no. 5

Condition

a few little nick, dents and scratches but basically in very good condition with excellent engraving.
"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

The sources for the eight birds (including two owls) on this canister are details from three designs for friezes from a set of six engravings by Henri Le Roy (1579-1652). His scheme, inspired by similar friezes designed by Hans Collaert (1530-1580), show numerous birds in various attitudes among small leafy plants. The alternating scrolling acanthus and flowering plants which the birds inhabit on this canister, however, were clearly drawn from illustrations ultimately based on ancient Roman decoration (acanthus enclosing flowerheads) as well as more recent studies of flowers in luxuriant bloom. Numerous examples of the latter from the mid 17th Century survive including an engraving of tulips, tiger lilies, &c by Dietrich Meyer the younger of Zurich (1651-1733). For comment on and many illustrations of the former, see Ursula Reinhardt,  ‘Acanthus,’ Alain Gruber, editor, The History of Decorative Arts, Classicism and the Baroque in Europe, New York, London, Paris, 1994, pp. 95-155.