CIRCA 1580

Details

A GERMAN CARVED STAGHORN POWDER-FLASK
Circa 1580
With forked body, the inner-face engraved with a pattern of spirals of tendrils sown with leaves and enlosing an engraved bird-of-prey roundel, the outer-face carved in relief with two figures from mythology, probably Circe the Sorceress overcome by Ulysses, and within an elaborate frame of strapwork and flowers (the top and the belt hook each replaced, the basal points with later horn caps).
8¾in (22.2cm)

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 15% on the buyer's premium

Lot Essay

The figural composition is taken directly from an engraving of The Rape of Lucretia by Georg Pencz (circa 1500-1550). The attributes of feasting carved into the background interior on the flask accord to a far greater degree with the story of Circe.

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