German, probably 16th century

By repute Oettingen-Wallerstein collections, Schloss Harburg, Harburg;
with Trinity Fine Art, New York, 1995;
Luigi Koelliker, Milan, until 2008;
his sale, The Luigi Koelliker Studiolo, Sotheby's London, 3 December 2008, lot 102

New York, Trinity Fine Art, An Exhibition of Medieval, Renaissance and Islamic Works of Art, 1995, no. 26

An Exhibition of Medieval, Renaissance and Islamic Works of Art, exh. cat. Trinity Fine Art, New York, 1995, pp. 64-65, no. 26

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The bronze is a utilitarian bronze and so does not have a finished appearance. There are a few small original plugs, including at the proper right thigh; at the proper left upper arm; and at the proper left buttock. The patina has a mottled appearance from continuous usage. There are a few nicks and scratches, including at the belly. The opening of the receptacle is underneath the genitals and is held in place by a screw. There is a small hole in the mouth for the steam. There is rubbing to the extremities, including to the lock of hair at the fringe, at the shoulder blades and under the feet.
"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."

'Aeolipiles' or 'fire-blowers' are described by Antonio di Pietro Averlino, called Filarete (c. 1400-1465) as equipment for fireplaces. Derived from Antique prototypes, they would be filled with water and placed next to a fire. As the water reached boiling point a jet of steam would burst from the mouth into the fire, making it burn brightly. The present example, appropriately, has a small hole in the mouth and an opening underneath.

RELATED LITERATURE
W. L. Hildburgh, 'Aeolipiles as Fire-blowers', Archeologia, Oxford, 1951, pp. 27-55; M. Ajmar-Wollheim and F. Dennis, At Home in Renaissance Italy, exh. cat. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2006, pp.299-300