Hôtel Lambert, Une Collection Princière, Volume II : Kunstkammer
Hôtel Lambert, Une Collection Princière, Volume II : Kunstkammer
A Belgian silver-gilt covered cup shaped as an owl, Mechelen, circa 1560
Auction Closed
October 12, 05:41 PM GMT
Estimate
200,000 - 300,000 EUR
Lot Details
Description
A Belgian silver-gilt covered cup shaped as an owl, Mechelen, circa 1560
with detachable head, standing on a circular base, perched on a whistle
height 6 7/8 in.; weight 10,2 oz.; 17,5 cm; 291 g.
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Coupe couverte en forme de chouette en vermeil, Malines, vers 1560
la tête amovible, reposant sur un sifflet
height 6 7/8 in.; weight 10,2 oz.; 17,5 cm; 291 g.
Michael Wellby Collection, Oxford
Graf, Paris, 2015
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Collection de Michael Wellby, Oxford
Graf, Paris, 2015
This silver-gilt owl is an example of a rare group made in Mechelen (Malines), circa 1560-1561. There is some disagreement about this group been drinking vessels. However, it seems that this kind of objects was a reward in shooting competition. In the 16th century owls with bells tied to their feet were used as trophies.
The owl, the attribute of the goddess Minerva, has been a symbol of wisdom, nevertheless the nocturnal animal was also been associated as a symbol of excess, gluttony and drunkenness.
Part of the group is a silver cup with owl sitting on branch with a bell attached to its right leg the head detachable, Mechelen, circa 1570 in the Victoria and Albert Museum, 1181:1, 2-1864.
One other silver owl bearing the marks for Mechelen, circa 1560-1561 Kasteelmuseum, Doorn, oude Berlijnse inv. 239/11.
Two other owls, one with garnet eyes and the other with jet eyes, both stamped with Mechelen marks, circa 1560-1561, maker’s mark "angel" are illustrated in V. Laloux P. Gruysmans, Le Bestiaire des Orfèvres, 1994.