Discover how the value of similar works has evolved over the past 10 years. Art is not only beauty — it's an investment.
Discover how the value of similar works has evolved over the past 10 years. Art is not only beauty — it's an investment.
A sculptural figure of a knight in full armour, executed in silver in the tradition of early twentieth century Historicism. The composition depicts a standing knight of the late Medieval period, clad in richly decorated plate armour engraved with ornamental motifs. In his right hand the figure holds a long sword, while the left hand supports a shield with a relief representation of a knight. The pose is solemn and static, emphasizing the monumental character of the composition and its decorative function.
The surface of the armour is carefully worked and enriched with elaborate vegetal ornament executed in engraving and repoussé techniques. The breastplate, belt and protective elements of the armour are decorated with complex ornamental patterns creating a textured metallic surface. The helmet is crowned with a decorative plume, while selected details of the armour are highlighted with partial gilding.
Particular expressiveness is achieved through the face carved in ivory, creating a striking contrast with the cool sheen of the silver armour. The figure stands on a substantial architectural base decorated with relief panels depicting historical scenes and small sculptural figures at the corners. The pedestal features a complex composition with oval medallions and ornamental friezes executed in repoussé.
The stylistic language of the sculpture draws inspiration from the European sculptural tradition of the Renaissance and the late Medieval period. Works of this type represent a characteristic example of decorative silver produced by the workshops of Hanau, renowned for their mastery in historicist sculpture and objects of high artistic quality.
Marks: German national silver mark with crescent and crown; fineness mark “800”; maker’s mark “JK” with a swan, workshop of J. Kurz & Co., Hanau.
Dimensions: Height 43.2 cm.
Weight: 1778 g.
Condition: Good. Silver with natural patina of age. Minor traces of use. Partial gilding preserved.
Provenance: Private collection, Hesse.
Figures of knights and historical characters occupy an important place in German decorative arts of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. One of the principal centres for the production of such works was the city of Hanau, located near Frankfurt am Main. From the mid nineteenth century Hanau developed into a major centre of goldsmithing and silver production known for objects created in historical revival styles. The workshops of Hanau produced elaborate silver compositions inspired by Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic models. These works often reinterpreted museum masterpieces of European decorative art and became highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs of historic interiors.
Among the notable workshops active in the city was the firm J. Kurz & Co., operating in Hanau from the late nineteenth to the first half of the twentieth century. The company specialized in high quality decorative silver objects including sculptural compositions, table ornaments and historical figures. Their works are distinguished by refined hand chasing, intricate engraving and the use of partial gilding. In certain examples additional decorative materials were incorporated, including carved ivory. The products of J. Kurz & Co. were marked with the company’s distinctive hallmark consisting of the initials “JK” accompanied by a swan, together with the official German silver marks of crescent and crown and the fineness designation “800”.
The iconography of the present sculpture relates to the celebrated cenotaph of Emperor Maximilian I in the Hofkirche in Innsbruck. This monumental sixteenth century memorial is surrounded by a series of life size bronze statues representing knights and historical figures associated with the Habsburg dynasty. These sculptures became one of the most influential monuments of European Renaissance sculpture and inspired numerous historicist interpretations during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The silversmiths of Hanau frequently drew inspiration from such sources, producing cabinet scale silver sculptures intended for private collections and refined interiors.
During the first half of the twentieth century objects of this type enjoyed considerable popularity among collectors in Germany, Austria and Central Europe. Silver figures representing historical characters, executed with a high level of artistic detail, demonstrate the technical virtuosity of the Hanau silversmiths and reflect the historicist fascination with the romantic reinterpretation of the Medieval past.
The figure is in good collector’s condition. The silver retains a natural patina of age and elements of the gilding are partially preserved. The carved ivory face appears intact. Minor traces of use consistent with the age of the object are visible.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
