Two Men Fighting with a Boy and a Dog
Group
19th century (made), late 16th century to early 17th century (made)
19th century (made), late 16th century to early 17th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The obscure subject matter of this piece, which is in part reminiscent of a 'Sacrifice of Isaac' group, the incongruity of the costume, which is a combination of Mannerist-style classical armour, 17th century buskins, and drapery of an indeterminate period worn by the kneeling boy, the overall weak carving of drapery and anatomy, and certain telling details, such as the pose and face of the kneeling boy, suggest that this group is a 19th century pastiche, inspired by Netherlandish sculpture of the early 17th century. The base however displays typical techniques of Königsberg in the late 16th to early 17th century.
This object along with A.15-1950 forms a pair and is the only known example of a boxwood figure-group combined with an amber base. The applied panels might have formed part of an early gamesboard.
This object along with A.15-1950 forms a pair and is the only known example of a boxwood figure-group combined with an amber base. The applied panels might have formed part of an early gamesboard.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Two Men Fighting with a Boy and a Dog (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Boxwood (figure group) on ebonised wood base with amber and ivory inlay |
| Brief description | Group, boxwood on base with amber inlay, Two men fighting, probably German, 19th century pastiche, base Königsberg, late 16th to early 17th century |
| Physical description | Tow men are shown fighting over a kneeling boy and a dog (the latter scratching his left ear). The figure on the left is in armour, and is parrying a blow, from the other figure, with a sword held in his left hand. The figure on the right is wielding a stick with his right hand. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Given by Dr. W. L. Hildburgh, F. S. A. Historical significance: The obscure subject matter of this piece, which is in part reminiscent of a 'Sacrifice of Isaac' group, the incongruity of the costume, which is a combination of Mannerist-style classical armour, 17th century buskins, and drapery of an indeterminate period worn by the kneeling boy, the overall weak carving of drapery and anatomy, and certain telling details, such as the pose and face of the kneeling boy, suggest that this group[ is a 19th century pastiche, inspired by Netherlandish sculpture of the early 17th century. The base however displays typical techniques of Königsberg in the late 16th to early 17th century. This object along with A.15-1950 is the only known example of a boxwood figure-group combined with an amber base. The applied panels might have formed part of an early gamesboard. |
| Historical context | The piece forms a pair with A.15-1950 |
| Production | 19th century and probably Germany for the figure group, the other time and place for the base |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | The obscure subject matter of this piece, which is in part reminiscent of a 'Sacrifice of Isaac' group, the incongruity of the costume, which is a combination of Mannerist-style classical armour, 17th century buskins, and drapery of an indeterminate period worn by the kneeling boy, the overall weak carving of drapery and anatomy, and certain telling details, such as the pose and face of the kneeling boy, suggest that this group is a 19th century pastiche, inspired by Netherlandish sculpture of the early 17th century. The base however displays typical techniques of Königsberg in the late 16th to early 17th century. This object along with A.15-1950 forms a pair and is the only known example of a boxwood figure-group combined with an amber base. The applied panels might have formed part of an early gamesboard. |
| Associated object | A.15-1950 (Ensemble) |
| Bibliographic reference | Trusted, Marjorie. Catalogue of European Ambers in the Victoria and Albert Museum. London : Victoria and Albert Museum, 1985. cat. no. 4 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.14-1950 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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