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A Mid-Nineteenth Century English Nautilus Centrepiece
A Mid-Nineteenth Century English Nautilus Centrepiece
Dimensions: H: 10 in / 25 cm | W: 8.5 in / 21 cm | D: 6 in / 15 cm
PRICE: £3,500
A Mid-Nineteenth Century English Nautilus Centrepiece
Inspired by Renaissance Kunstkammer precedents, the centrepiece constructed from contrasting electroplated nickel silver and electrogilded metal, modelled as a chariot pulled by two swans, steered by a putto, on a mirrored surface, with its original glass etched nautilus shell cradled in a bullrush holder.
English, circa 1850
A nautilus shell cup pairs an exotic shell, prized for its oceanic provenance and iridescence, with elaborate goldsmith mounts, typically Dutch or German, from the 16th and 17th centuries. The combination of raw nature and refined craftsmanship made it a quintessential Kunstkammer object. The theme became popular again during the 19th century, when the Renaissance style had its revival.
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