Bronze Seal Matrix with Emperor Charles IV

Both with two large arched loops for fingers; one with a triangular, the other with a rectangular striking peen; profile formed as a ship with pointed stern and the bow ending in a volute, engraved wave pattern along the hull; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 190 grams total, 18.5 cm wide including stand



German art market, before 2008. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00014409.

These fire strikers represent one of the typical shape during the 17th and 18th centuries. They were shaped with two bows, and were often decorated with a series of ornamental strokes on the side.

Oval in plan with a vivid polychrome enamel scene on a black ground to the upper face of the lid, within a gilt-copper frame: Mercury, identifiable by his winged helmet and caduceus, standing beneath a classical arch flanked by stylised columns and vases of flowers; above the entablature, a canopy held aloft by two snails, with twin ewers crowning the upper corners and issuing stylised streams; the architectural and ornamental elements highlighted with translucent and opaque enamel, highlighted with gilding and intricate punchwork; the frame with a guilloche border, surmounted by a pierced rocaille loop with a scallop motif, and terminating below in a turned pendant finial; the sides of the frame engraved with a delicate foliate frieze, the reverse flat-chased with three vases of stylised flowers issuing from scrolled supports, framed above by draped swags, butterflies, and a winged cherubic mask; the case hinges open at the top, the interior, originally fitted with mirrored glass, now partially oxidised but retaining areas of reflection. 168 grams, 14.4 cm



Private collection, France. Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12998-246011.

The enamel composition is directly derived from a print by Étienne Delaune (1518/19-1583), from his series Grotesques à Fond Noir, Dieux et Déesses, created in France c.1550-1572, before he departed for Strasbourg. Delaune’s engravings were a principal source for Limoges enamellers of the late 16th and early 17th centuries, particularly in the production of oval mirror plaques for personal toilette or cabinet display.

Plaque with narrow border enclosing a figural scene with a colonnade and façade flanked by olive trees; central arch with two nimbate and robed figures clasping hands with a third figure behind them wearing a headdress; set in a gold frame with suspension loop; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 19.61 grams, 54 mm



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the French art market.

The subject is the marriage ceremony between Mary, 'the Virgin', and Joseph.