Lot 4895
A distinguished, large French apothecary mortar with portrait of Louis XIV, dated 1692
Works of Art, Antiquities & Ancient Art | A102kua | Live auction | 571 Lots
Description
Bronze with a beautiful age patina. The slightly conical body on a spreading base with a reinforced, flared rim. A border of lavish relief decoration and four large plaques between herm pillars and fleur-de-lys ornaments. One plaque with a half-length portrait of Louis XIV, next to another of his wife Maria Theresa of Spain, one plaque with a portrait of Cosimo III de Medici, the fourth plaque with a depiction of Bacchus sat on a barrel. Six small plaques appliquéd on the rim with depictions of an apothecary using a mortar. Moreover, the owner's name "I. CAVELIER" and date "1692" in relief. Height 14.5 cm, diameter 20.5 cm. The mortar is attributed to the acclaimed red smith Nicolas de Paix (1645 - 1722).Provenance: Formerly in the collection of Didier Houberechts, Belgium. Illustrated in: Serge Domini (editor), Mortiers francais du XVe au XVIIIe siecle. Fleurs et figures de bronze, 2021, p. 315.
Condition: II + Questions about the lot?
