SOUTH GERMAN, 1573

Details

A GILT-BRONZE TABLE BELL
SOUTH GERMAN, 1573
Signed with the initials 'GK' and dated 1573; the handle in the form of a seated lion holding a cartouche with the coat of arms of the Wittelsbach Dukes of Bavaria under a cabochon; the body cast in relief with various figures in a landscape including a scene of the Crucifixion and Diana and Actaeon, the inside inscribed with a red collection number '326'; minor wear to gilding; the clapper possibly replaced
5¼ in. (13.3 cm.) high

Provenance

Purchased by Alfred Beit (1853-1906) by 1904.
Thence by descent to Lady (Clementine) Beit (1915-2005) by whom donated to the Alfred Beit Foundation in 2005.

Literature

W. Bode, The Art Collection of Mr. Alfred Beit at His Residence 26 Park Lane London, Berlin, 1904, as 'Venetian, second half 16th century'.
W. Bode, Catalogue of the Collection of Pictures and Bronzes in the Possession of Mr. Otto Beit, London, 1913, p. 122, no. 326, as 'South German, second half of the XVI century'

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

Although it has not been possible thus far to identify the maker of this bell, who signed with the initials 'GK' (or possibly 'KG'), it is clear from the goldsmith-like finish that it originates in South Germany. This assumption is strengthened by the fact that the coat-of- arms in the shield held by the lion appears to represent that of the Wittelsbach Dukes of Bavaria.

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