A large French ivory lidded tankard

CIRCA 1890

Details

A large French ivory lidded tankard
Circa 1890
Of oval shape, the lid surmounted by a figure of Diana and a cherub, the stepped lid carved with lion masks and scrolling foliage, the body carved with the scene of Ovid's tale of Diana and Actaeon, depicting male hunters and female figures, flanked by a female caryatid figure handle with scrolls, the base with foliage and putti playing instruments, on scroll feet
23½ in. (59.5 cm.) high

Lot Essay

The tale of Diana and Actaeon is described by Ovid (Metamorphoses 3:138-253). The young prince Actaeon stumbles on Diana and her companions having a bath while he is hunting in the forest. The carving on the present tankard visualises the moment when Actaeon has just discovered Diana and the nymphs. He is with his hunting companions and wild boars as sign of their successful hunt, at his heels. While Actaeon is astonished, the nymphs retreat in disorder, trying to protect themselves from the young man's gaze.

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