A German silver figural cup, circa 1880
No reserve
Estimate
5,000 - 8,000 EUR
Lot Details
Description
probably modelled as King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden on horseback, on a shaped-circular base, the head of the horse and the rider lifting off
42cm, 16½in. high
2106gr., 67½oz
Sotheby's, Paris, 15 April 2010, lot 132
Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden (1594–1632) is known as the "Lion of the North." It was under his reign that Sweden became a strong and prosperous European power. He is considered one of the greatest strategists of his time, having achieved frequent victories during the battles of the Thirty Years' War. He implemented economic and agrarian reforms that fostered his country's development. Through his military actions, he maintained a political and religious balance between Catholics and Protestants in Europe. Tragically, he died at the Battle of Lützen in 1632; he was one of the few monarchs to lead his troops in combat, following the example of his role model, Alexander the Great.