Object Description
Very large Renaissance Revival silver gilt and enamel sculpture by Böhm
Austrian, c. 1880
Height 68cm, width 42cm, depth 29cm
This stunning sculpture, created around 1880 by Hermann Böhm, exemplifies the extraordinary talent of one of Austria’s finest enamel artists. Having established his workshop in 1866, Böhm quickly gained international recognition, with his works earning accolades at prominent exhibitions. Specialising in the Renaissance Revival style, Böhm and his peers catered to an exclusive clientele, crafting luxurious decorative pieces inspired by classical designs. This remarkable sculpture is a perfect example of his craftsmanship.
Resembling a graceful swan, the sculpture features an ovoid body adorned with intricate hand-painted Classical scenes, many of which depict allegorical figures representing elemental forces. These artworks are framed by delicate borders, leading the eye toward the richly decorated spaces between them, filled with scrolling floral motifs set against a striking gilded backdrop. The hexagonal base mirrors the bird’s ornate detailing but is even more lavishly adorned with Classical scenes, including a frieze of female busts set against a deep blue ground.
The sculpture is divided into sections by finely pierced silver-gilt bands, each embellished with gemstone accents. The swan’s head, neck, tail, and legs are vividly enamelled in brilliant hues of blue, green, orange, and white, creating a bold contrast with the surrounding painted designs. While most of the decoration is polychrome, the undersides of the wings and tail are rendered in monochrome.
Atop the swan’s head sits an elaborate crown, elevating the sculpture’s regal appeal. Additionally, a silver cherub, enamelled in a similar fashion to the swan, is positioned riding the bird, holding reigns as though taming it.
A distinctive feature of this sculpture is its removable top half, revealing an interior as captivating as its exterior. Inside, the piece is adorned with an array of hand-painted motifs and circular enamel plaques, all set against a richly gilded background, mirroring the opulence of the exterior.
Stamped with the marks ‘A’ for Vienna and ‘HB’ for Hermann Böhm, this antique attests to its prestigious heritage.
Impressive in both size and craftsmanship, this museum-quality swan sculpture is a true masterpiece, making it an extraordinary addition to any fine collection.