FRENCH SCHOOL, CIRCA 1720

Prospective purchasers are advised that several co… Read more

Details

FRENCH SCHOOL, CIRCA 1720
A young lady as Atalanta, seated in a landscaped garden with water features, statues, trees and trellis, holding a golden apple in her right hand, her left arm resting next to a water fountain, wearing a décolleté ochre dress with a gem-set pin at corsage and at right shoulder, pink skirt and gem-set gold belt, a gold-bordered blue cloak draped over her right arm, pinned at right shoulder with gem-set brooch
on a thick piece of ivory
rectangular, 2 x 2 7/8 in. (50 x 72 mm.), gilt-metal frame with pierced foliate surround

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.

Brought to you by

Tom Johans

tjohans@christies.com +44 (0)20 7752 3026

Lot Essay

Atalanta, tired of advances by her suitors, declared that she would marry the man who could run faster than her. She outran all who challenged her except Hippomenes who won by following the advice of Aphrodite. During the race he dropped three golden apples to distract Atalanta and on winning the race, he took her hand in marriage.

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