Object Number: #703
Augsburg, 1717/8,
Maker: Johannes Warnberger
City’s hallmark: The Pyr for Augsburg, Period 1717-1721 (s. Seling, 2007, no 1520, Vol. III/47)
Maker’s mark: an “Owl” for Johannes Warnberger (s. Seling, 2007, no 2035, Vol. III/488-9)
Height: 20,5 cm (8,6 in.); Weight: c. 380 gr each
Pictures
Detailed Information
A Pair of German Régence Silver Candlesticks
The present pair of candlesticks represents an elaborated type of candlesticks of the Regency and the Rococo. The varying decoration, with engravings, casted and plastic ornamentation creates an artistic contrast. The candlesticks are standing on a broad, vaulted, moulded and engraved foot, which is on its turn in a step-wise manner decorated. The foot decoration is quite elegant and self-confident executed. Its central motif is a variable frieze from lamb’s tongues and flowers. An engraved flowers frieze that runs around the foot of the shaft accentuates the decorative character of the candlesticks. A shaft with baluster, engravings and variable, hanged feminine and masculine masks rises above the foot. The rim of the baluster-shaped, broad spout is through a gadrooned-ring circumscribed and distinguished.
The overall form of the candlesticks as well as the decorative programme depict an excellent example of the early, German Rococo period.
Maker
Johannes Warnberger was a protestant silversmith – son of the silver- and goldsmith Jacob I Warnberger -, who was in 1697 born. He became a master in 1710 and in the same year he got married. He died in 1757. From Johannes Warnberger there are a number of remarkable candlesticks and other silverware preserved that witness the use of similar decorative motifs, like the ones the candlesticks at hand present. These are typical for this master and they could be seen as his creative signature.