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1 of 253523 objects
Nautilus cup late seventeenth century with early nineteenth century additions
Nautilus shell with silver gilt mounts, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, garnets, sapphires, pink quartz, turquoises | 30.0 x 18.0 x 12.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 50610
Lorenz Biller II (c.1678-1726)
Nautilus cup late seventeenth century with early nineteenth century additions
Lorenz Biller II (c.1678-1726)
Nautilus cup late seventeenth century with early nineteenth century additions
Lorenz Biller II (c.1678-1726)
Nautilus cup late seventeenth century with early nineteenth century additions
Lorenz Biller II (c.1678-1726)
Nautilus cup late seventeenth century with early nineteenth century additions
Lorenz Biller II (c.1678-1726)
Nautilus cup late seventeenth century with early nineteenth century additions
Lorenz Biller II (c.1678-1726)
Nautilus cup late seventeenth century with early nineteenth century additions
Lorenz Biller II (c.1678-1726)
Nautilus cup late seventeenth century with early nineteenth century additions
Lorenz Biller II (c.1678-1726)
Nautilus cup late seventeenth century with early nineteenth century additions
Lorenz Biller II (c.1678-1726)
Nautilus cup late seventeenth century with early nineteenth century additions
Lorenz Biller II (c.1678-1726)
Nautilus cup late seventeenth century with early nineteenth century additions
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A nautilus cup with silver-gilt and jewelled mounts. The elaborately pierced and foliate cap is studded with jewels and terminates in a bacchic mask. The stem is cast in the form of a kneeling figure of Atlas, on an embossed oval base inlaid with two garnets and two water sapphires.
This was the second of two nautilus cups purchased by George IV (see RCIN 50603). It was acquired in 1826, by which time it was already jewelled, as the bill lists 'coloured stones & Diamonds'. It is likely these were a later addition to the original piece and may have been added by Rundell's themselves to enhance the cup. The form, however, is typical of nautilus cups produced in Augsburg – the kneeling Atlas figure relates to a number of other works such as the conch ewer by Abraham Pfleger I in the Vienna Treasury. The cup was one of a group of Kunstkammer objects placed in the King's Audience Room in Windsor Castle.
Lorenz Biller II was a member of the distinguished family of goldsmiths who supplied the courts in Augsburg, Dresden, Munich and Berlin with plate for the buffet and silver furniture. The workshop was renowned for its design, its chasing and its technical skill.
Foot struck with mark of Augsburg and maker's mark of Lorenz Biller II.
Provenance
This nautilus cup (one of two in the Royal Collection) was purchased by George IV from Rundell, Bridge & Rundell in December 1826 for £94 10s.
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Creator(s)
(goldsmith)(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Nautilus shell with silver gilt mounts, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, garnets, sapphires, pink quartz, turquoises
silver, gilt, nautilus shell, animal materials, diamond, turquoise, sapphire, pink quartz, emerald, rubyMeasurements
30.0 x 18.0 x 12.0 cm (whole object)
806.2 g (Weight) (whole object)
Category
Bibliographic reference(s)
EAJ : Jones, E.A., 1911. The Gold and Silver of Windsor Castle, Letchworth p. 80, pl. XL, 3
Place of Production
Augsburg [Germany]
