German Silver-Gilt and Enamelled Figure of a Sailor

17TH CENTURY A.D.

2 1/8 in. (31.62 grams, 54 mm).

The mariner modelled in a lively stance, holding a coiled rope in both hands, which falls in a naturalistic spiral at his feet, wearing a brimmed and gilt-edged cap, a red enamelled doublet with chased detail, and voluminous green enamelled trunk-hose, his boots and gloves parcel-gilt.

Provenance

Acquired on the European art market.

Literature

Cf. British Museum, The Mechanical Galleon by Hans Schlottheim, Augsburg, 1580–1590, inv. 1866,1030.1, with deck figures of sailors; Victoria and Albert Museum, nef by Esaias zur Linden, Nuremberg, before 1628, inv. M.425-1956, with enamelled mariners; Victoria and Albert Museum, nef, Regensburg, c. 1610, inv. M.15-1954, with related figures; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Ship (Nef), Nuremberg, c. 1609–1620, inv. 17.190.319, showing similarly enamelled crew; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Ship (Nef), Augsburg, Heinrich Winterstein, c. 1620, inv. 17.190.318; the British Museum, nef, France/Switzerland, c. 1530 with later additions, inv. AF.3059.

CONDITION

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LOT 0391