Bonhams
Lot 355
A NORTH ITALIAN ISTRIAN MARBLE WELLHEADVenetian and probably 15th or 16th centuryModelled as a capital, each corner carved with a lion mask with garlands of fruit, 72cm wide, 72cm deep, 60cm high (28in wide, 28in deep, 23 1/2in high) Footnotes:The shape of a Venetian wellhead is no coincidence, with early examples made by hollowing out ancient capitals from fallen columns; a shape that continued as the demand for fresh water in Venice increased. In 1797 it is understood that 6000 wells were recorded in Venice and, during the Grand Tour, they became desirable objects for aristocratic souvenir hunters who would ship them back to their gardens. Many are still in place, including at Iford Manor, Hearst Castle, California, Fullbeck Hall and Hever Castle. Comparative examples can also be found in the Metropolitan Museum (Accession Number: 14.134.26a, b) and an example carved with lion masks in the Victoria and Albert Museum (Accession Number: 88-1882). The majority of Venetian wellheads were made of Istrian stone, a dense, non-porous variety of limestone that was shipped to Venice from Istria (formerly part of the Venetian Republic, now Croatia).This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TPTP Lot will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
