A Passion for, and in Silver: 300 Years Dorotheum: Tercentenary Silver Auction, 31st May 2007, Vienna Dorotheum

Baroque Easter ciborium

Vienna Empire ornamental tureen

"Kaiserpreis" trophy

Moscow cloisonné centrepiece

Some come looking for rare collector's items, some seek to accentuate their modern interior with a historical piece, others simply need new tableware and prefer to purchase antique silver rather than modern off-the-shelf articles. All of these customers will more than likely find what they are looking for at the upcoming Silver Auction on 31st May 2007 at the Vienna Dorotheum.

On this particular occasion, as part of the Dorotheum Tercentenary Auctions, lovers of historical silver will be able to choose from a true cornucopia of 450 lots, ranging from Renaissance tumblers to Art Deco sugar tins. These fine examples of applied art were produced at Europe's foremost manufactories and many of them were previously owned by royalty or nobility.

This spring's silver auction is remarkable for the large number of Early Baroque pieces it includes, as well as for the number of rare collector's items such as a Baroque Easter ciborium of unique aspect and of a quality worthy of the Kunstkammer art collection. According to the Dorotheum silver expert, Georg Ludwigstorff, this liturgical vessel was made in Southern Germany and shows signs of being created by a prominent goldsmith for a client of considerable importance. A ciborium served to hold the consecrated hosts and in the present case was crafted from silver and gold with enamelled decoration. However, what sets this particular example apart are the highly detailed figural scenes from the passion of Christ, with Christ's Tomb being shown on the base and the top section featuring the Arrest of Christ, and Christ on the Mount of Olives, while the shaft itself is wrought in the form of four olive trees. The vessel's foot bears the inscribed year 1706, making it exactly one year older than the Dorotheum itself, which was founded in 1707. A fine passion for the passionate collector (valuation price € 40.000 – 60.000).

Simple, unadorned, and, therefore, almost modern and very sophisticated in appearance, a large Vienna Empire ornamental tureen is distinguished by its perfect workmanship, as well as by its exceptional weight of over six kilograms. Its smooth silver surface is only interrupted by two lion heads holding ring handles. Valued at between 25.000 and 40.000 Euro, the tureen bears the 1810 Vienna hallmark as well as the maker's mark FW (Franz Wallnöfer).

Among the 'curiosities', an excellent piece by the Viennese sculptor Carl Waschmann stands out. His "General Count Sporck at the Battle of St. Gotthard, 1. August 1664" was the trophy of the imperial "Kaiserpreis" awarded by Emperor Franz Joseph I. to the victor in the Great Army Steeplechase of 1902. A green marble base with double eagle supports the figure of Count Graf Sporck in armour, with his horse held by soldiers in the background. In  1664, Sporck, together with Field Marshal Raimund Count Montecuccoli led the imperial troops in a crushing victory over the Ottoman Army (€ 12.000 - 20.000).

Very much in keeping with a Russian predilection for ornamentation a Moscow cloisonné centrepiece of gilt silver consist of a single round bowl completely covered with multicoloured floral décor in cloisonné enamel technique. Made around 1890, this work of art is valued at 16.000 to 20.000 Euro.

With its select objects from many different periods this silver auction is guaranteed to satisfy a wide range of tastes in antique silver.

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	Baroque Easter ciborium
	Vienna Empire ornamental tureen
	"Kaiserpreis" trophy
	Moscow cloisonné centrepiece
	Press information