26th Apr, 2022 10:00
Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Peter)
203
Ø [M] A RARE IVORY MICRO CARVING OF A BRITISH MAN-OF-WAR AT SEA, ATTRIBUTED TO G. STEPHANY AND J. DRESCH, CIRCA 1800
A RARE IVORY MICRO CARVING OF A BRITISH MAN-OF-WAR AT SEA, ATTRIBUTED TO G. STEPHANY AND J. DRESCH, CIRCA 1800
depicting a three-quarter stern view of a three-masted frigate getting underway with mizzen sails almost set, topgallant and lower sails still furled and standing rigging with crew climbing, running rigging and streamers flying, set on a blue stained ivory sea with horizon line beyond -- 3 x 2½in. (7.5 x 6.5cm.) within a 5 x 4½in. ebonised glazed frame
German-born Stephany and Dresch were described as the most eminent sculptors in ivory in Europe . . . who will execute any design for Rings, Bracelets, Lockets, or for Cabinet pieces. Based in Bath then London, they specialised in miniature scenes, often of naval interest, with breath-taking precision. Exhibiting at the Royal Academy between 1792 and 1803, examples of their virtuoso work are in the Royal Collection, the National Maritime Museum and British Museum.
For similar single-ship ivory miniatures attributed to Stephany and Dresch, see Christie's, London, 20 July 2016, lot 184 (£5250) and 22 February 2017, lot 155 (£6250).
Sold for £2,480
Estimated at £3,000 - £5,000
(inc. buyer's premium of 24%)
A RARE IVORY MICRO CARVING OF A BRITISH MAN-OF-WAR AT SEA, ATTRIBUTED TO G. STEPHANY AND J. DRESCH, CIRCA 1800
depicting a three-quarter stern view of a three-masted frigate getting underway with mizzen sails almost set, topgallant and lower sails still furled and standing rigging with crew climbing, running rigging and streamers flying, set on a blue stained ivory sea with horizon line beyond -- 3 x 2½in. (7.5 x 6.5cm.) within a 5 x 4½in. ebonised glazed frame
German-born Stephany and Dresch were described as the most eminent sculptors in ivory in Europe . . . who will execute any design for Rings, Bracelets, Lockets, or for Cabinet pieces. Based in Bath then London, they specialised in miniature scenes, often of naval interest, with breath-taking precision. Exhibiting at the Royal Academy between 1792 and 1803, examples of their virtuoso work are in the Royal Collection, the National Maritime Museum and British Museum.
For similar single-ship ivory miniatures attributed to Stephany and Dresch, see Christie's, London, 20 July 2016, lot 184 (£5250) and 22 February 2017, lot 155 (£6250).
Auction: Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Peter), 26th Apr, 2022
Order of Sale:
Mercantile (Sail) – 1-97
Mercantile (Steam) – 100-162
Naval (Sail) – 165-236
Naval (Steam) – 237-318
Navigational & Scientific Instruments – 320-380
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