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Lot Essay
This impressive cup is engraved with the arms and initials of Bernhard von Rehlingen (1563–1645) a member of an old Bavarian noble family and an influential councillor of Augsburg who ardently defended the rights of Protestants. This cup with its exotic ostrich egg, a symbol of moral value and strength may have been a gift created by a Protestant goldsmith for the defender of their cause.
THE OSTRICH: MYSTICAL CREATURE OR GUILD EMBLEM?
Ostriches were introduced to Europe as early as Antiquity through Roman imports and later appeared in medieval menageries. Their eggs were often associated with those of mythical creatures such as the griffin and the phoenix, as well as the pelican, and came to symbolise the Passion of Christ and the Immaculate Conception and as such immortality and sacrifice. As a result, the ostrich acquired a strong mystical and symbolic significance.
From the late 13th century onwards ostriches were believed to be able to consume iron and other metals. This unusual reputation led the bird to become an emblem of the iron trade. Although by the late 17th century, naturalists began challenging the notion of the ostrich as a “metal eater”, the association endured, establishing the bird as a lasting symbol of the iron industry.
ORNAMENTAL OBJECTS
Ostrich eggs were also prized as exotic natural curiosities and became highly sought-after objects in Renaissance Kunstkammers, alongside nautilus and turbo shells. Mounted in silver or gilt silver, they were transformed into luxurious decorative objects and ceremonial drinking vessels. On this cup, the ostrich motif dominates every part of the object, it serves to emphasise the object’s exotic and precious nature, as well as the worldliness and enlightenment of its owner.
THE ARMS OF THE VON REHLINGEN FOR BERNHARD VON REHLINGEN
The arms and initials engraved on the finial are those of Bernhard von Rehlingen (1563–1645) a member of an old Bavarian noble family that settled in Augsburg around 1300. Trained in law, he entered Augsburg’s civic administration in 1589 and became an influential city councillor, serving in both the tax office from 1593 to 1611 and then the building authority. He played an important role in shaping the city’s legislation and oversaw major urban projects, including Augsburg’s famous fountains and public buildings created by artists such as Adrian de Vries, Hubert Gerhard, and the architect Elias Holl.
During the Thirty Years’ War, Rehlingen worked to protect Augsburg from famine and strengthen its defences. A committed Protestant, he resisted Jesuit and imperial efforts to impose the Counter-Reformation on Augsburg through the Edict of Restitution. Although unable to prevent the confiscation of Protestant churches, the expulsion of clergy, and the removal of Protestants from public office, he consistently opposed these measures and sought to defend the rights of his fellow citizens.
During the Swedish occupation of Augsburg by King Gustavus Adolphus in 1632 Rehlingen was briefly dismissed and imprisoned, but soon released. After imperial forces regained control of the city in 1635, he returned to office and continued advocating moderation and religious coexistence. His efforts helped preserve a degree of legal representation for Augsburg’s Protestant community during years of severe repression. Rehlingen died in 1645 and was remembered by Augsburg’s Protestants as a courageous and principled defender of their rights.
THE OSTRICH: MYSTICAL CREATURE OR GUILD EMBLEM?
Ostriches were introduced to Europe as early as Antiquity through Roman imports and later appeared in medieval menageries. Their eggs were often associated with those of mythical creatures such as the griffin and the phoenix, as well as the pelican, and came to symbolise the Passion of Christ and the Immaculate Conception and as such immortality and sacrifice. As a result, the ostrich acquired a strong mystical and symbolic significance.
From the late 13th century onwards ostriches were believed to be able to consume iron and other metals. This unusual reputation led the bird to become an emblem of the iron trade. Although by the late 17th century, naturalists began challenging the notion of the ostrich as a “metal eater”, the association endured, establishing the bird as a lasting symbol of the iron industry.
ORNAMENTAL OBJECTS
Ostrich eggs were also prized as exotic natural curiosities and became highly sought-after objects in Renaissance Kunstkammers, alongside nautilus and turbo shells. Mounted in silver or gilt silver, they were transformed into luxurious decorative objects and ceremonial drinking vessels. On this cup, the ostrich motif dominates every part of the object, it serves to emphasise the object’s exotic and precious nature, as well as the worldliness and enlightenment of its owner.
THE ARMS OF THE VON REHLINGEN FOR BERNHARD VON REHLINGEN
The arms and initials engraved on the finial are those of Bernhard von Rehlingen (1563–1645) a member of an old Bavarian noble family that settled in Augsburg around 1300. Trained in law, he entered Augsburg’s civic administration in 1589 and became an influential city councillor, serving in both the tax office from 1593 to 1611 and then the building authority. He played an important role in shaping the city’s legislation and oversaw major urban projects, including Augsburg’s famous fountains and public buildings created by artists such as Adrian de Vries, Hubert Gerhard, and the architect Elias Holl.
During the Thirty Years’ War, Rehlingen worked to protect Augsburg from famine and strengthen its defences. A committed Protestant, he resisted Jesuit and imperial efforts to impose the Counter-Reformation on Augsburg through the Edict of Restitution. Although unable to prevent the confiscation of Protestant churches, the expulsion of clergy, and the removal of Protestants from public office, he consistently opposed these measures and sought to defend the rights of his fellow citizens.
During the Swedish occupation of Augsburg by King Gustavus Adolphus in 1632 Rehlingen was briefly dismissed and imprisoned, but soon released. After imperial forces regained control of the city in 1635, he returned to office and continued advocating moderation and religious coexistence. His efforts helped preserve a degree of legal representation for Augsburg’s Protestant community during years of severe repression. Rehlingen died in 1645 and was remembered by Augsburg’s Protestants as a courageous and principled defender of their rights.