This flask formed part of a garniture of firearms similarly decorated and probably made for display rather than use. It is carved in relief with Adam and Eve on either side of the tree of Life. Behind the root of the tree is the figure of a stag. The figures of Adam and Eve are derived from an engaving after Dürer. The quartered arms, accompanied by the initials I.Z.W., are probably those of a member of the zu Welsberg family, of the Tyrol (quarterly argent and sable). The eagle displayed near the bottom is also probably that of the Tyrol.
Physical description
Carved in relief with Adam and Eve on either side of tree of Life. The back is plain, the background is gilded, the mounts silver gilt. Behind the root of the tree is the figure of a stag; at the top is a coat of arms with the letters I.Z.W.
Place of Origin
Austria (made)
Date
ca. 1580 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Carved staghorn mounted in silver gilt
Marks and inscriptions
Carved in relief with Adam and Eve on either side of tree of Life. The back is plain, the background is gilded, the mounts silver gilt. Behind the root of the tree is the figure of a stag; at the top is a coat of arms with the letters I.Z.W.
Dimensions
Height: 27 cm, Width: 14 cm, Depth: 5.8 cm, Weight: 0.52 kg
Object history note
Acquired in London in 1854
Historical context note
This flask, which is decorated with the arms of the Welpsberg family of Tyrol, formed part of a garniture of firearms similarly decorated and probably made for display rather than use.
Descriptive line
Powder Flask, carved staghorn, ca. 1580, Tyrol, Austria
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Longhurst, Margaret H. Catalogue of Carvings in Ivory. Part II. London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 1929, p. 87, and ill. plate LXXV
Inventory of Art Objects Acquired in the Year 1854. In: Inventory of the Objects in the Art Division of the Museum at South Kensington, Arranged According to the Dates of their Acquisition. Vol I. London: Printed by George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode for H.M.S.O., 1868, p. 26.
Kuhn, Dr. Exhibition Catalogue: Katalog für die Ausstellung der Werke älterer Meister. Part II: Katalog der Kunst und Kunstindustrie-Ausstellung alter und neuer deutscher Meister. Munich, 1876, p. 101.
Patterson, Angus. Fashion and Armour in Renaissance Europe. Proud Lookes and Brave Attire. London, V&A Publishing, 2009. ISBN 9781851775811 (hbk.)
Colour illustration at p. 10, plate 2.
Exhibition History
"Kunst und Kunstindustrie-Ausstellung alter und neuer deutscher Meister" (Glaspalast 01/01/1876-31/12/1876)
Production Note
Carved in relief with Adam and Eve on either side of the tree of Life. Behind the root of the tree is the figure of a stag. The figures of Adam and Eve are derived from an engaving after Dürer. The quartered arms, accompanied by the initials I.Z.W., are probably those of a member of the zu Welsberg family, of the Tyrol (quarterly argent and sable). The eagle displayed near the bottom is also probably that of the Tyrol. This flask formed part of a garniture of firearms similarily decorated and probably made for display rather than use.
Materials
Silver-gilt; Staghorn
Techniques
Gilded; Carving; Relief
Subjects depicted
Adam and Eve
Categories
Containers; Sculpture; Christianity; Myths & Legends; Tools & Equipment; Sport
Collection code
SCP
