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 silver cabinet figure of a knight in full armour, executed in the tradition of German Historicism. The sculpture depicts an armed warrior holding a sword and shield, standing on a polygonal decorative base. The figure is distinguished by the meticulous modelling of the armour, richly adorned with relief ornament, engraved elements and heraldic motifs. Parts of the armour are highlighted with light gilding, creating a refined play of light and shadow and enhancing the sculptural articulation of the composition.
Particular expressiveness is given to the figure by the knight’s face carved from ivory. This technique is characteristic of German cabinet sculpture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and creates a subtle polychrome effect that animates the sculptural image. The helmet is crowned with a decorative plume, the shield is decorated with heraldic fleurs-de-lis, and the posture of the figure follows a calm ceremonial stance typical of historic interpretations of the knightly theme in decorative arts.
The base is conceived as an architectural plinth with relief ornamental panels and cartouches. At the corners of the base are small figures of fantastic animals that reinforce the Neo-Renaissance character of the composition. In its stylistic conception and iconography, the figure refers to the celebrated bronze sculptures surrounding the cenotaph of Emperor Maximilian I in the Hofkirche in Innsbruck, which became an important source of inspiration for decorative sculpture and silverwork at the turn of the 20th century.
Hallmarks: Maker’s monogram “EFES”; German national silver hallmarks – crescent moon and crown; standard mark “800”.
Dimensions: Height 30 cm.
Weight: 903 g.
Condition: Good. Minor traces of age and use.
Provenance: Private collection, Hesse.
Expertise: Expert report by Dr Daniel Suebsman, 2025. CITES certificate available.
At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, the city of Hanau was one of the most important centres of artistic silver production in Germany. Numerous workshops were active there, specialising in decorative objects created in historical styles for the international collectors’ market. Hanau silversmiths frequently drew inspiration from the artistic vocabulary of the European Renaissance and Baroque, producing elaborate decorative compositions, cabinet sculptures and table ornaments.
One of the most significant sources of inspiration for such works was the funerary monument of Emperor Maximilian I in the Hofkirche in Innsbruck. The central cenotaph of the emperor is surrounded by a series of monumental bronze statues known as the “Schwarze Mander”. Created in the 16th century, these figures represent historical and legendary figures associated with the Habsburg dynasty and form one of the most impressive sculptural ensembles of the Renaissance in Central Europe.
During the Historicist period, artists and silversmiths frequently turned to these models, creating smaller interpretations of monumental sculptures. Such works translated Renaissance prototypes into refined interior objects and collectible cabinet sculptures. The high level of chasing, the elaborate ornamentation and the combination of materials such as silver and ivory reflect the characteristic artistic tendencies of German silver production at the turn of the 20th century.
Objects of this type were intended as prestigious cabinet pieces for collectors’ interiors, demonstrating the era’s fascination with historical memory and the artistic heritage of the Renaissance.
Good collectible condition. Minor surface traces of age. The silver retains a natural patina and the relief decoration remains well defined. The carved ivory face is preserved.
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.
