A large French decalcomania glass globe on a walnut stand, mid 19th century

decorated with figures in contemporary, historical and exotic costumes in a variety of romantic, hunting and humorous scenes, in applied engravings on the inside of the glass, on a moulded circular walnut stand on three flattened bun feet

This rare globe is in very good condition, displaying good colours to the prints; the white ground with no visible losses. Four prints show minor lifting; some minor rebacking to the white ground. The original stand with repairs and marks of old woodworm that seems to be no longer active. A rare object with an imposing presence.
"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 term ‘decalcomania’ (from the French décalquer, to trace) refers to the techinque of transfering engraved designs and images onto a solid surface such as wood, metal, porcelain and most frequently, glass. The style became extremely popular in 19th century France and spread to Victorian England and America. Decalcomania is essentially a continuation of the 18th century arte povera or découpage techniques in Italy and Southern France, in which engraved designs were glued to the surface of furniture or small wooden boxes and trays and covered with a protective layer of varnish, often in conjunction with lacquer decoration. 

When used with glass, the standard practice entailed applying engravings to the inside of a object and then painting over the surface with a neutral pigment to highlight the decoration. The type of glass objects most frequently encountered are smaller baluster vases, and this globe is exceptional in its size and form and also in its iconographical sophistication.

The composition consists of concentric rings of engraved vignettes alternating between hunting scenes and figural groups in contemporary, historical and exotic costumes, reflecting the fascination for the Medieval and Renaissance periods in the French decorative arts during the Restoration and Louis-Philippe periods, known at the style troubadour. More intriguing is the series of three letters V X Z that appears twice, perhaps a rebus the significance of which remains undetermined.