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Lot Essay
The terracotta ewer on offer here is a remarkable example of the transition between the late baroque and early rococo styles. Almost certainly conceived as the model for a silver vessel, it is notable for its highly ornate baroque vocabulary in the form of scrolls, garlands and grotesque masks, but also for the asymmetrical and organic arrangement of the decoration, which represent the move into the rococo style.
Although it is a highly individual piece that has been modelled with virtuoso skill, it has, to date, not been possible to attribute it to a particular artist or workshop. However, considering its overly exaggerated form and early rococo attributes it is most likely to be the product of a south German or Austrian workshop where such asymmetry and naturalism were an important element of their decorative traditions.
Although it is a highly individual piece that has been modelled with virtuoso skill, it has, to date, not been possible to attribute it to a particular artist or workshop. However, considering its overly exaggerated form and early rococo attributes it is most likely to be the product of a south German or Austrian workshop where such asymmetry and naturalism were an important element of their decorative traditions.