- 532
A gold openwork box formed from a watchcase, signed probably by David Dupont, London, circa 1740
Estimate
400 - 600 GBP
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Description
- A gold openwork box formed from a watchcase, signed probably by David Dupont, London, circa 1740
- gold
- 5 cm., 2 in. diameter, 3.5 cm., 1 ½ in. high
circular, the lid chased in high relief with Brennus the Gaul casting his sword into the scales, signed: Dupont f., the associated inserted cylindrical base engraved with fantastical masks, hounds and architectural caprices within further openwork scrolls, apparently unmarked
Condition
base pushed in, consequently some split to pierced gold ornament. solder repair at junction of lid and rim. nice chasing.
"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
According to Richard Edgcumbe, there were two Duponts working as gold chasers in the 1740s: Jean-Maximilien du Pont, an Amsterdam chaser, born in 1721, and David Dupont, chaser of St Lawrence Jewry, London, active at least between 1736 and 1746. See The Art of the Gold Chaser, Oxford, 2000, pp. 42-44, for descriptions of four watchcases signed: Dupont.
Brennus was leader of the Gauls whose forces attacked Rome in 390 BC, besieging the Capitol. The Romans agreed to pay a ransom in gold to pay off the Gauls but complained during the negotiations that the Gauls were using loaded weights. The furious Brennus threw his heavy sword onto the scales, thus increasing the ransom, crying out ‘Vae victis’ (literally ‘woe to the defeated’ or as we would probably say today ‘bad luck’ or ‘take that’) Luckily for the Romans, Camillus arrived with supporting forces to rout the Gauls before the ransom was finally paid.
Brennus was leader of the Gauls whose forces attacked Rome in 390 BC, besieging the Capitol. The Romans agreed to pay a ransom in gold to pay off the Gauls but complained during the negotiations that the Gauls were using loaded weights. The furious Brennus threw his heavy sword onto the scales, thus increasing the ransom, crying out ‘Vae victis’ (literally ‘woe to the defeated’ or as we would probably say today ‘bad luck’ or ‘take that’) Luckily for the Romans, Camillus arrived with supporting forces to rout the Gauls before the ransom was finally paid.