Lot 206A
Western Europe, England, ca. mid-19th century CE. A superb gilt electrotype salver by Giovanni Franchi & Son, replicating the mid-16th-century masterpiece held in the Musee du Louvre, Paris. This 19th-century electrotype faithfully reproduces a Renaissance dish dated 1558-1559, which itself commemorates the Siege of Tunis (1535) - a major campaign of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V against the Ottoman Empire in North Africa. The front is embossed and chased with a sweeping panoramic depiction of the siege, including fleets, cavalry, and fortifications in intricate relief. At the center appears an inscribed plaque reading: "Expeditio et Victoria Africana Caroli V Rom Imp P F Avgvsto 1535." The reverse bears an engraved interlace pattern with an inset oval medallion seal: "Science and Art Department", beneath the royal crown and monogram "VR" (Victoria Regina) - denoting production under the auspices of the Department of Science and Art, established to promote the study of design and applied arts in Britain. Size: 24.5" Diameter (62.2 cm); gold quality: 12% to 15%
The original salver, created in Antwerp between 1558 and 1559 by goldsmiths trained in the Southern Netherlands, is housed in the Musee du Louvre, Paris. It was exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art from December 12, 2017, to March 11, 2018, and images of the original work can be viewed on the Met's website. The basin was likely commissioned as a diplomatic or commemorative gift honoring an ally of Emperor Charles V, with related vessels possibly conceived for similar ceremonial or courtly purposes.
Electrotype reproductions were commissioned in the 19th century for government schools as teaching models of classical design. Franchi & Son, a premier London firm specializing in electrotyping, produced this design in a range of finishes - including copper, and silver - to accommodate both institutional and private collectors. This example represents the gilt version - the most refined and visually faithful to the 16th-century original. A comparable Franchi & Son electrotype is held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Object Number: 73.8.46), with another example housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (Accession Number: REPRO.1857A/1-15).
Provenance: ex-private collection, Fairhaven, Massachusetts, USA, collected from 2010 to 2015
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#199300
- Condition: One exterior rim rosette bracket is missing and has been replaced with a circular rosette. Surface shows abrasions, small indentations, dark patina, and areas of green oxidation consistent with age and handling.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |