ATTRIBUTABLE TO STEPHANY AND DRESCH CIRCA 1800

Details

A GEORGE III MINIATURE IVORY RELIEF OF A SHIP
ATTRIBUTABLE TO STEPHANY AND DRESCH CIRCA 1800
5 x 4 ¼ in. (12.5 x 11 cm.), overall

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Sale room notice

France currently has restrictions on the sale and commercial movement of all elephant ivory items, including pre-1947 “antique” elephant ivory items. Christie’s is unable to arrange shipments of any elephant ivory lots to France until further guidance is issued by the French authorities. Bidders who intend to ship an ivory lot to France bid at their own risk. A delay or inability to export elephant ivory is not grounds to cancel the purchase of a lot, and buyers remain responsible for all storage charges that accrue in accordance with the Conditions of Sale.

Lot Essay

For a related example signed by Stephany and Dresch, see Christie's's London, Interiors, 20 July 2016, lot 184.

The present lot is an example of the delicate, intricate micro carving that was popular in the kunstkammers of Europe's nobility in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of the sculptors who practised the art of micro-carving gained considerable fame - the German born partners Stephany and Dresch, working in London and Bath in the late 18th century, sold their ivories to members of fashionable English society, exhibited a number of times at the Royal Academy, and were named by George III of England, 'Sculptors in Miniature on Ivory to their Majesties'.

More from Interiors

View All