An extremely rare and fine late 17th/early 18th-Century ivory model of the human eye,, An extremely rare and fine late 17th/early 18th-Century ivory model of the human eye,

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MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS

An extremely rare and fine late 17th/early 18th-Century ivory model of the human eye,

细节

An extremely rare and fine late 17th/early 18th-Century ivory model of the human eye,
probably from Nuremburg, the eye of teardrop form and made in three concentric sections of thin ivory, each threaded to come apart at the middle and with an aperture to view the one beneath, the smallest containing a small glass bead and painted with
veins and iris, the middle section painted black and with the iris, the largest section painted with veins, the top part with a wider aperture to reveal the iris of the middle section, all contained in a turned lignum vitae eggcup-type case, with threaded domed lid -- 2in. (5.1cm.) high

See Colour Illustrations

来源

The Wheatstone Collection, the Wellcome Foundation, London

注意事项

Notice Regarding the Sale of Ivory and Tortoiseshell Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing ivory or tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

拍品专文

Although unsigned and undated, it is most likely that this fine and unusual ivory model dates from the late seventeenth or early eighteenth century, and was made in the workshops of Nuremburg. It is similar the type of ivory pieces made for a "kunstkammer". or cabinet of curiosities, in this era (such as anatomical figures and skeletons). Severla examples of this sort of model eye are known, although none identical, suggesting a one-off commission. The teardrop shape of the eye would also suggest an early dating, being not altogether anatomically correct.