An Austrian silver-gilt and enamel large double-headed roc, probably Vienna, circa 1890

very finely painted, the domed base with strapwork and female demi-figures below reserves of mythological scenes, the body painted at the front with a hero attended by goddesses, at the back with three maidens, and inside with allegories of Dawn and Time, the underside of the cover with a scene of Vanity, all surrounded by multicolored foliage on a pale pink ground, the underside of the cover with monkeys, the cover painted with an allegory of the Morning Star, surrounded by enameled tail and wings (one with the Rape of Europa), a fully-modeled and enameled figure of a seated Moor, and twin monster heads, the necks painted with feathers, the features enameled, the stem formed of conforming blue-enamed bird legs

Sotheby's, Belgravia (London): "An Impressive Collection of Viennese Enamels", 13 December 1979, lot 261

minor spots of enamel loss on wings and tail and tips of beaks, one moster-head starting to split at top of neck and possibly glued, some stress fractures to enamel inside body above stem but not through, pieces pitches back slightly but stable; overall good condition and very fine painting to the scenes
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.
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