Hungarian or South Tyrolean, first half 15th century

inscribed: hoc . opus fieri . fecit Simius Peirais . et un iuers inrclariitas

private collector, Europe;
his sale, Sotheby's London, 3 July 2012, lot 30

Overall the condition of the candlestick is good. There is wear and some dirt to the surface consistent with age with some scratches to the drip pan and the edges of the foot. The gilding is rubbed at the edges. The base and the drip pan are slightly warped around their edges. There are a few minor losses to the enamels on the stem and some of the surface has tarnished. The enamel on the terminals on the knop is largely lost and there are losses to a few of the silver backgrounds. A set of six small slots suggest a mount is missing from the drip pan. The hole in its centre suggests there was a pricket. The candlestick was assembled from sections which are slightly loose. The iron pin that serves as the core is oxidised.
"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."

The hexagonal base and knopped stem of the present candlestick are designed in the same style as liturgical chalices in the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. In addition to its rare form, the candlestick is decorated with enamels. The plaques on the stem are decorated with a type of translucent enamel enclosed in filigree which can be found in works of art from both Hungary and Alpine Italy from the first half of the 15th century. Mihalik (op.cit.) illustrates three Hungarian liturgical chalices on which the foliate filigree terminates in flowers that enclose the same pearl-like drops of white enamel seen in the present candlestick. Two further Hungarian chalices from this group were part of the Thomas Flannery Collection and sold at Sotheby's London, 1 December 1983, lots 258 and 259. It is worth noting a group of gilt copper and silver liturgical works of art made by Nicolò Lionello (circa 1390-1462) which were exhibited in Il Gotico nelle Alpi (op.cit.).

RELATED LITERATURE
S. Mihalik, Old Hungarian enamels, Budapest, 1961, figs. 26 to 23; A.R. Calderoni Masetti et al.,Oreficerie e smalti traslucidi nell'antica diocesi di Lucca, Florence, 1986, fig. 170; E.Castelnuovo and F. de Gramatica (eds.), Il Gotico nelle Alpi 1350-1450, exhib. cat. Castello del Buonconsiglio, Trento, pp. 802-807, nos. 161-163