PLATED AND FOREIGN METALWARES
THE PROPERTY OF THE LORD HAMILTON OF DALZEL
A Belgiun mid 19th Century tapering shaped oblong sugar box on bun feet, the hinged cover finely-engraved with a titled vignette of Acteon spying on Diana the Huntress as she bathes in a classical ruin, a forest beyond, the voluptuous goddess surrounded by her hand maidens, the sides engraved with four related vignettes, one of stags, one of hounds, one of a hound attacking a stag, the last of hunting trophies, each surrounded by bright-cut flowers and scrolling foliage - 5in, 11oz.
Details
A Belgiun mid 19th Century tapering shaped oblong sugar box on bun feet, the hinged cover finely-engraved with a titled vignette of Acteon spying on Diana the Huntress as she bathes in a classical ruin, a forest beyond, the voluptuous goddess surrounded by her hand maidens, the sides engraved with four related vignettes, one of stags, one of hounds, one of a hound attacking a stag, the last of hunting trophies, each surrounded by bright-cut flowers and scrolling foliage - 5in, 11oz.
In the legend of Diana and Acteon the unfortunate Voyeur is surprised by the ever-vigilant goddess. In her rage she turns him into a stag and he is then hunted down and slain by his own hounds, hence the related vignettes on the body of the above piece.
In the legend of Diana and Acteon the unfortunate Voyeur is surprised by the ever-vigilant goddess. In her rage she turns him into a stag and he is then hunted down and slain by his own hounds, hence the related vignettes on the body of the above piece.