Lot 42
42
AN ELECTROTYPE TANKARD, of slightly baluster form, the sides in high relief with cavorting drunken figures in medieval costume in various acts of lechery, with scrolling vine foliage, the bifurcated rusticated vine handle rising to hinge with two full figure see-sawing boys forming thumbpiece, one thirstily guzzling from a jug, the molded cover with further vine and topped by acanthus bud finial, and with boy clambering up the squat spout--9¾in. (24.7cm.) high

Details
AN ELECTROTYPE TANKARD, of slightly baluster form, the sides in high relief with cavorting drunken figures in medieval costume in various acts of lechery, with scrolling vine foliage, the bifurcated rusticated vine handle rising to hinge with two full figure see-sawing boys forming thumbpiece, one thirstily guzzling from a jug, the molded cover with further vine and topped by acanthus bud finial, and with boy clambering up the squat spout--9¾in. (24.7cm.) high

Lot Essay

This tankard is modeled after the painting "Imtemperance" by Moritz Retzch. An identical silver tankard, maker's mark of Tiffany & Co., circa 1865-70, has the rim of the foot inscribed "Moritz Retzsh 1779-1857". was sold at Sotheby's, January 23-29, 1988, for $5,775, lot 1050. Moritz Retzsh worked in Dresden, a history and portrait painter, drawer and engraver.

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