Large Viennese Silver Enamel & Jeweled Cornucopia w/ Mythological Panels

Description

An incredible and quite large Jeweled 19th-century Viennese enamel on silver cornucopia. This elaborate piece is constructed entirely of silver, with its surface meticulously covered in hand-applied polychrome enamel depicting a range of classical and allegorical scenes. The object rests on a hexagonal foot, each panel displaying finely detailed mythological compositions bordered by scrolling foliage in black enamel against a turquoise ground. The silver is shaped and engraved to accommodate the various surfaces, all of which are enameled using the champlevé technique, where cells are carved or cast into the silver and filled with enamel before being fired and polished. The body of the cornucopia features a continuous spiral of narrative panels, each framed by silver bands inlaid with multicolored gem-like enamel squares and stylized floral motifs. One panel shows a group of female figures bathing in a pastoral setting, attended by companions draped in rose and violet garments. Another panel presents two helmeted female warriors in conversation, shield and spear in hand, rendered with attention to facial detail and expressive gesture. A third section features two women walking along a path, their garments rendered in shades of blue, rose, and ochre. Inside the flared mouth of the horn, additional scenes depict nymphs riding sea creatures and tritons holding garlands and fish, against a backdrop of mountainous landscapes and deep blue waves. The cornucopia is supported by a silver putto rendered in the round, shown standing on a textured silver mound mounted to a white enamel band decorated with a gold floral motif. The putto holds a translucent cobalt-blue enamel bow and is adorned with a garland of small enamel flowers around the waist. The base is hexagonal, with each face featuring a distinct allegorical or religious scene, framed in enamel and silver scrollwork. Beneath, the underside of the base reveals further hand-enameled decoration in alternating blue panels with foliate scrolls, indicating the piece was finished with equal care throughout. The construction required precise craftsmanship, involving multiple firings and hand-painting to achieve the depth of color and intricate detail characteristic of Viennese enamel work from this period. Austria, Circa: 1860

Details

Dimensions