Turned cup with concatenated spheres in lid finial
Called “historic” to differentiate them from illegally obtained modern material, sixteenth-century ivories like these were produced for (and sometimes by) European princes, who associated elephants with strength and wisdom, traits considered essential for an ideal ruler. Ivory was rare in Europe and reserved for the most talented or high-status craftsmen. Poaching and the expansion of the ivory market have since led to the decimation of elephant populations in both Africa and Asia. It is crucial to conserve and protect elephants from further suffering caused by the current human desire for ivory and status.
Artwork Details
- Title: Turned cup with concatenated spheres in lid finial
- Maker: Possibly Georg Wecker (German, ca. 1550–after 1626)
- Date: late 16th century
- Culture: German, Dresden
- Medium: Ivory
- Dimensions: Confirmed: 19 × 6 × 4 7/8 in., 24.7oz. (48.3 × 15.2 × 12.4 cm, 700.312g)
Base (a): 9 1/2 in. × 6 in. × 4 7/8 in. (24.1 × 15.2 × 12.4 cm)
Other (b): 9 3/8 × 4 7/16 × 3 5/8 in. (23.8 × 11.3 × 9.2 cm) - Classification: Natural Substances
- Credit Line: Bequest of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2019
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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Hans van Amsterdam
1533/34
Returned to lender
Augustus I, Elector of Saxony
1576-86
Italian, Venice, Murano
ca. 1475–1500 (modern foot)
German
late 16th century
German
16th century
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