Templum Fine Art Auctions
Lot 340
Measurements: 29x22x21 cms. Weight 3.2 kg, in fine silver. Writing desk with a silver tray in its color and gilded finish that has four containers with lids and a pedestal in the center topped by a seated sculpture. The tray, rectangular in shape with the four sides slightly curved outwards, shows an edge decorated with plant elements and, on the larger fronts, a cresting at the top followed by another in the lower area creating a symmetrical composition with scrolls, a figurehead on the front and plant motifs, and four monster-shaped legs (leaf foot, elongated body with breasts, long neck, head of a lion or similar and feathered wings). Each of the containers has a circular base on which the monstrous female figures that decorate them rest on their plant “leg” (winged, holding plant motifs in front of their breasts), a bulbous shape and a raised lid towards the center decorated with a band of simple architectural motifs, which is, in turn, topped by a bird hunting a snake. In the center, on a circular and stepped pedestal, there is a tubular pedestal decorated with garlands, vegetal scrolls, venerated shapes and monstrous masks. Sitting on a seat, a human figure is presented dressed in a tunic and cloak, barefoot and carrying some objects, with short uncovered hair. Note that the monsters (sometimes called fantastic bugs) that the piece presents as legs are very similar to those on the writing desk dated around 1847 that has marks from the Royal Silver Factory of Antonio Martínez and that is preserved in the Museum del Prado (Madrid). The masks mentioned on the pedestal are very similar to those presented by “The Allegory of Justice” which was a gift from Medina de Pomar to the Minister of Grace and Justice in 1849 (Museum of Romanticism, Madrid) and which also shows punches by Martínez. This work is clearly inspired by the office of the presidency of the Council of Ministers of the Royal Palace of Madrid (National Heritage, ref. B. 428-9045) made in 1851 by the Real Fábrica de Platería Martínez. Note that the four “putti” or child figures that would surround the central figure do not appear here, that it has a slightly different posture, and that the crests of the tray are different, among other details. Weight: 3174 grams.
