Lot Essay
The horse-heads are not uncommon, as their shape lent itself to the function of a handle, with which the mortar could be steadied while grinding with a pestle.
Details
A BRONZE MORTAR
ITALIAN, 16TH CENTURY
With twin horse-head handles, the bosy decorated with scenes depicting Fame flanked by putti holding up roosters (crack?) -3¾in. (9.5cm.) high, patina
ITALIAN, 16TH CENTURY
With twin horse-head handles, the bosy decorated with scenes depicting Fame flanked by putti holding up roosters (crack?) -3¾in. (9.5cm.) high, patina
Literature
COMPARATIVE LITERATURE
J. Pope-Hennessey, Renaissance Bronzes from the Samuel H. Kress Collection, London, 1965, nos. 580
J. Pope-Hennessey, Renaissance Bronzes from the Samuel H. Kress Collection, London, 1965, nos. 580