- 83
Circle of Marcus Gunter (fl. circa 1680-1730s) English or Dutch, London or Amsterdam, circa 1700
Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
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Description
- Bodkin with a Bust of a Blackamoor
- with later Dutch control marks
- enamelled gold, inlaid with diamonds and with seed pearls, in a later embossed leather case
- Circle of Marcus Gunter (fl. circa 1680-1730s) English or Dutch, London or Amsterdam, circa 1700
Condition
Overall the condition of the pin is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few very minor losses to the enamel including to the end of the nose and to the edges of the head at the top. There are one or two small chips to the white enamel headband. A few very small abrasions including to the proper left shoulder blade.
"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
A similar design for a bodkin or hair pin wrought with a blackamoor bust on an openwork acanthus leaf pedestal appears in a design by Marcus Gunter, illustrated by Scarisbrick (op. cit. 1994, p. 176). Gunter, a Leicestershire goldsmith who worked in Amsterdam, Rome, Siena and London, was described by Horace Walpole as "exceedingly neat". Compare also with the gimmel ring in the Victoria and Albert Museum (M.231-1975) dating to the late 17th century, and the bodkin in the Albion Art Jewellery Museum. Bodkins became fashionable from the late 16th Century in Europe, as embellishments for the ever grander hair styles, those of gold and diamonds being the preserve of the wealthiest (Forsyth, op. cit., p.61)
RELATED LITERATURE:
D. Scarisbrick, 'Alchemist with the Golden Touch: Marcus Gunter's Designs for Jewellery 1683-1739', in Country Life, 21 March 1985, pp. 734-6; D. Scarisbrick, Jewellery in Britain 1066-1837, 1994, p. 176; H. Forsyth, The Cheapside Hoard, exh. cat. Museum of London, London 2013, p. 61