Cup
1580-1600 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This cup once belonged to the Nuremburg Goldsmiths Corporation. It has been attributed to the workshop of Wenzel Jamnitzer. Apprentice goldsmiths applying for master-goldsmith status usually had to make a trial piece of work, or 'masterpiece', that met an agreed standard of workmanship. From 1531 until 1572 Nuremberg apprentices were required to make a columbine cup (named after its resemblance to the columbine flower), a gold ring set with a precious stone and a steel seal die. In some guilds apprentices or journeymen were not allowed to marry until their masterpieces had been accepted. Otherwise, they were subject to fines. If a masterpiece was refused, applicants could continue as journeymen working for other goldsmiths. They could also try to persuade a master to submit their work under his hallmark, although this defied guild regulations.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver |
| Brief description | Cup, silver with repousse ornament of strapwork, flora, and figures of Diana, Lucretia, and Judith, by Wenzel Jamnitzer, Nuremberg, 1580-1600 |
| Physical description | The body in the form of 6 lobes in the upper part, tapering downwards, and alternating with 6 smaller lobes in the lower part tapering upwards, with repousse ornament of strapwork, flora, and figures of Diana, Lucretia, and Judith. |
| Gallery label |
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| Object history | Purchase - A. Pickert, Nuremberg (£150). This cup belonged to the Nuremburg Goldsmiths Corporation until 1868. It was acquired in 1871 in Nuremburg by Henry Cole. Sir Wyatt report in register. Acquired with 614-1872 and 573-1872. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This cup once belonged to the Nuremburg Goldsmiths Corporation. It has been attributed to the workshop of Wenzel Jamnitzer. Apprentice goldsmiths applying for master-goldsmith status usually had to make a trial piece of work, or 'masterpiece', that met an agreed standard of workmanship. From 1531 until 1572 Nuremberg apprentices were required to make a columbine cup (named after its resemblance to the columbine flower), a gold ring set with a precious stone and a steel seal die. In some guilds apprentices or journeymen were not allowed to marry until their masterpieces had been accepted. Otherwise, they were subject to fines. If a masterpiece was refused, applicants could continue as journeymen working for other goldsmiths. They could also try to persuade a master to submit their work under his hallmark, although this defied guild regulations. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 150-1872 |
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| Record created | February 9, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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