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Alain.R.Truong
4 décembre 2008

German, probably 18th century. A pair of Tour de Force ivories

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German, probably 18th century. A pair of Tour de Force ivories

49cm., 19¼in. and 47cm., 18½in. Estimate 10,000—15,000 GBP - Lot sold 31,250 GBP

NOTE: This pair of intricately turned ivory works of art is an excellent example of a noble tradition in European art. The turner's lathe captured the imagination of the aristocracy from the late Renaissance through to the 18th century. The remarkable manipulations of the ivory represented man's conquest over nature. The more complicated the turned ivory object was, the greater the fascination became. In the 17th century the turning of such ivories became a favourite pastime of princes, who would employ master turners as their teachers. By the 18th century the popularity of the craft had spread and many of Europe's aristocrats were using newly published manuals (such as the ones by Plumer from 1701 and Bergeron's from 1796) for instruction and inspiration.

RELATED LITERATURE: O. Beigbeder, Ivory, London, 1965, p. 110; K. Maurice, Sovereigns as Turners, Zurich, 1985

Sotheby's. The Studiolo: Old Master Paintings and Works of Art from the London Residence of Luigi Koelliker. 03 Dec 08. London. Photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com

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