CIRCA 1880

Lots 153-162 comprise a wonderfully diverse group of objets d’art produced during in the last quarter of the 19th century. Evoking a virtual cabinet of curiosities, these colorful and decorative enamel works, often mounted with silver, rock crystal and luxurious lapis lazuli , were inspired by the kuntzkammern of the 16th and 17th centuries. This fashion was emulated in the 19th century with intricately-worked mounts created to set off the brightly-painted enamel designs. One of the most popular forms of decoration was that of istoriato, a narrative story or scene taken from classical history or mythological lore, which was championed by the prolific goldsmith and enamellist Hermann Böhm (active 1866-1922).

Complementing this group of quintessential Viennese enamel works are singular objects by French contemporaries, including an exquisite silver-gilt-mounted etched rock crystal charger in the manner of Reinhold Vasters (lot 164) and a solid lapis lazuli vase emulating the work of Charles Duron (lot 159), both of whom were inspired by the French Royal jewels that had been installed in the Louvre's Galerie d'Apollon in 1862.