Tea Bowl and Saucer from the so-called “Berner Goldfondservice”, Böttger porcelain, Meissen, ca. 1720

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Abraham Seuter, Augsburg, “Berner Goldfondservice”, Böttger porcelain, ca. 1720, Meissen, Tea Bowl and Saucer

Tea Bowl and Saucer from the so-called “Berner Goldfondservice”, Böttger porcelain, Meissen, ca. 1720. Photo courtesy Röbbig München

Decorated with colourful Watteau figures on gold ground by Abraham Seuter, Augsburg, ca. 1740. H. 4.2 cm (tea bowl), D. 12.4 cm (saucer). Rare tea bowl with everted lip on high footrim. The corresponding saucer is relief-moulded with everted lip and also on a footrim. Price on request.

The tea bowl and the corresponding original saucer are covered with solid gold ground. A repeatedly curved concave and convex reserve, whose rims are decorated with filigree embellishment in etching technique, is spared. In the well of the saucer is a scene, after the engraver’s copies of the artist Jean-Antoine Watteau, which borders at the console-like arranged embellishment in the lower quarter. An elegant lady in a yellow dress looks to the right while she holds a small bow in her left hand. The bow appears to belong to Cupid in the guise of a winged boy standing to the left of her. Behind the two, a cavalier wags his finger, and near them is a maid. This scene is characterised by typical love symbolism of the Rococo period, and is supplemented further by another scene on the associated tea bowl: A lady is sitting on an armchair while a black cat rests on her lap. To the left stands a young girl in a pronounced, gesticulating pose.

The Augsburg brothers Abraham and Bartholomäus Seuter drew a majority of their décors from engravers’ copies after the paintings of the French painter Watteau, whose oeuvre often served as references for locally-based copper engravers and enriched especially the Augsburg Hausmalerei at that time.

The motif of a lady accompanied by Cupid can be found, in a modified form, again on a tea pot and a sugar bowl, both published in: S. Ducret, Meissen Porzellan bemalt in Augsburg, 1718 bis um 1750, vol. II, Brunswick 1972, fig. nos. 140 and 168. A further tea bowl with saucer from the same service is illustrated there in colour (no. XIII).

Röbbig München – Briennerstrasse 9 – 80333 Munich – Germany – T. +49 89 29 97 58 – F. +49 89 22 38 22

A large charger, D.Luis Peregrino de Ataíde Service, ca. 1720, Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Reign

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4th Service, ca. 1720, Chinese Export porcelain, D. Luis Peregrino de Ataíde Service, Kangxi Reign, Qing dynasty

A large charger, D. Luis Peregrino de Ataíde Service, ca. 1720, Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Reign. Estimation : 17 500 € / 20 000 €. Photo Veritas Art Auctioneers

Chinese export porcelain. Polychrome and gilt decoration, bearing D. Luis Peregrino de Ataíde coat-of-arms at the centre framed by profuse decoration with garlands, leaves and scrolls. Tab decorated with ribbon and scrolls (4th Service). Diam.: 43 cm

Bibliography: Castro, Nuno de, « A Porcelana Chinesa ao Tempo do Império », p. 115.

Note: Some authors attribute the services bearing this coat-of-arms to the Italian Marini family, a wealthy family connected to the merchant navy. According to David Howard and John Ayers, this coat- of-arms is depicted in Pietro Marini de Barnabita’s Ex-Libris, who was a promient figure of the family that lived in the mid-18th century. Althought it is possible to find Portuguese coat-of-arms with the salient bull crest and with the coat exclusively bendy, it is unknown any coat-of-arms flanked by the two crests, considering the authors, therefore, not possible to assign these services to a Portuguese family.

VERITAS ART AUCTIONEERS, 06 Octobre 2014. AV. ELIAS GARCIA, 157 A/B – 1050-099 LISBONNE. Contact: Igor Olho-Azul: +351 21 794 8000 – info@veritasleiloes.com.

A large charger, D. Luis Peregrino de Ataíde, 6th Service, ca. 1720, Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Reign

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6th Service, ca. 1720, charger, D. Luis Peregrino de Ataíde, Kangxi Reign, Qing dynasty

A large charger, D. Luis Peregrino de Ataíde, 6th Service, ca. 1720, Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Reign. Estimation : 20 000 € / 25 000 €. Photo Veritas Art Auctioneers

Polychrome and gilt decoration, bearing D. Luis Peregrino de Ataíde coat-of-arms at the centre framed by profuse decoration with flowers, leaves and scrolls, flanked by bulls. Tab with frieze depicting flowers and leaves interspersed with masks (6th Service). Diam.: 46,5 cm

Bibliography: Castro, Nuno de, « A Porcelana Chinesa ao Tempo do Império », p. 115.

Note: Some authors attribute the services bearing this coat-of-arms to the Italian Marini family, a wealthy family connected to the merchant navy. According to David Howard and John Ayers, this coat- of-arms is depicted in Pietro Marini de Barnabita’s Ex-Libris, who was a promient figure of the family that lived in the mid-18th century. Althought it is possible to find Portuguese coat-of-arms with the salient bull crest and with the coat exclusively bendy, it is unknown any coat-of-arms flanked by the two crests, considering the authors, therefore, not possible to assign these services to a Portuguese family.

VERITAS ART AUCTIONEERS, 06 Octobre 2014. AV. ELIAS GARCIA, 157 A/B – 1050-099 LISBONNE. Contact: Igor Olho-Azul: +351 21 794 8000 – info@veritasleiloes.com.

Old Master paintings, silver, porcelain and glass included in Koller Zurich’s autumn auctions

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'istoriato' albarello 'a quartieri', 'majolica' porcelain, 1960s, 1st half of the 19th century, “Astronomicum Caesareum”, “Augsburger Goldchinesen”, “Master with the Parrot”, black crayon and water color, ca. 1540-1550, ca. 1720, ca. 1730-35, Canaletto, Charles Nicolas Odiot, Circa 1595-1600, cushion-cut diamond, drop-shaped solitaire, Edward Theodore Comton, Etching, Eugène Delacroix, Faenza, Ingelstad, Isaac Newton, Jan Brueghel the Elder, Jan Mortel, Lidded Pot, London, Madonna and Child, Maria Sibylla Merian, Mariotto di Nardo, Meissen, Oil on copper, Paris, Peter Apian, Philosophiae naturalis principia mathematica, pilgrim bottle, Prague, René Kern, Rudolph von Alt, Simon de Vos, Sterlé, Tempera on panel, Travel service

Isaac Newton, Philosophiae naturalis principia mathematica, London, 1687. Est: CHF 350 000 / 550 000. Photo Koller.

ZURICH.- On 20 September, Koller will be presenting the first edition of Isaac Newton’s “Philosophiae naturalis principia mathematica” (Mathematical principles of natural philosophy), published in London 1687 – one of the most important scientific books of all times. No other work has had such a tremendous impact on the scientific world-view of modern times until Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, as Newton’s ground-breaking law of universal gravitation and classical mechanics. Due to this masterpiece, the universe became a describable entity. The copy on offer at Koller has a very important provenance: It used to belong to the Basel University Library and contains highly interesting scientific annotations which are clearly from the circle of the Bernoulli mathematicians’ dynasty in Basel. In the 19th century, the library sold the present copy as a duplicate. Later, it was owned by the Federal Observatory in Zurich and from the observatory, via an exchange for another important object, entered the art market where it was bought by a Swiss private collector. Now this impressive work is on offer at Koller Auctions at an estimated price of CHF 350 000 to 550 000 (lot 353). 

Isaac Newton, Philosophiae naturalis principia mathematica, London, 1687. Est: CHF 350 000 / 550 000. Photo Koller.

In the 16th century, Peter Apian created his “Astronomicum Caesareum”. Already in 1540, he wrote down his observations regarding the planetary movements and was able to make them comprehensible, even to laymen, by means of mechanical models. This book is considered to be one of the most attractively printed books ever and is considered the last important work of Ptolemaic astronomy, in which the earth is depicted as the center of the universe. The copy on auction contains numerous movable disks that serve to explain the constellations of the stars. This very rare book is estimated at CHF 600 000 to 800 000 (lot 402). 

Peter Apian,  “Astronomicum Caesareum”, Ingelstad, 1540. Est: CHF 600 000 / 800 000. Photo Koller.

The third book highlight is Maria Sibylla Merian’s treatise on the development of caterpillars, “Der Rupsen Begin, voedzel en Wonderbaare Verandering” (The Cater- pillars’ marvelous transformation and strange floral food). This masterpiece consists of three parts in one volume and contains 150 hand-colored copper plates in the highly rare back-pressure variant. Koller will offer this work at CHF 120 000 to 160 000 (lot 329).

Merian, Maria Sibylla. The Rupsen Begin, voedzel s Wonder Baare Verandering. 3 parts in one volume. With one engraved, handcoloured and applies frontispiece by Simon Schijnvoet before letters, one author portrait, three titles and 150 handcoloured copper-engravings in counter proof (Contre-Épreuve). Est: CHF 120 000 / 160 000. Photo Koller.

Old Master Paintings
Significant still lifes and late-Gothic Italian work

The Old Master Paintings on offer at the auction on 19 September still lifes include still lifes by important artists such as Jan Mortel. His two oils (both 87.4 x 68.9 cm) featuring flowers and fruit are estimated at CHF 120 000 to 180 000 each (lots 3053 and 3054). The two copper plates by Jan Brueghel the Elder (each measuring 27.5 x 36.2) depict a winter landscape with bird snaring and a riverscape with bathers, and will be presented with an estimate of CHF 180 000 / 200 000 and CHF 160 000 / 180 000 (Lots 3043 and 3044). An allegory of the Five Senses by the Antwerp master Simon de Vos will be offered at CHF 150 000 to 200 000. This oil on copper painting which was created in 1640 shows a cheerful party in a festive interior (lot 3052). The so-called “Master with the Parrot”, who was active in Antwerp circa 1520/1530, is represented with a 50 x 38.5 cm oil on panel depicting the Virgin Mary and Child, estimated at CHF 250 000 to 350 000 (lot 3008). 

Jan Mortel (1650 Leiden 1719), Large bouquet in a decorated bronze vase with a bramble spray, strawberries and insects.  Oil on canvas. 87.4 x 68.9 cm. Est: CHF 120 000.- / 180 000. Photo Koller.

Jan Brueghel the Elder (Brussels 1568 – 1625 Antwerp), River landscape with bathers. Circa 1595-1600. Oil on copper. 27.5 x 36.2 cm. Est: CHF 160 000.- / 180 000. Photo Koller.

Simon de Vos (1603 Antwerp 1676), Allegory of the five senses: festive gathering in an interior. 1640. Oil on copper. Signed and dated lower right: S. D. Vos. in et F 1640.  56 x 73 cm. Est: CHF 150 000.- / 200 000. Photo Koller.

“Master with the Parrot” (active in Antwerp circa 1520-1530), Madonna and Child. Oil on panel. 50 x 38.5 cm. Est. CHF 250 000.- / 350 000. Photo Koller.

Among the late-Gothic Italian works which are being offered at this auction is a panel from the workshop of Mariotto di Nardo who was active from 1394 to 1424. The 71 x 42 cm painting of the Virgin Mary and Child enthroned and surrounded by saints will be offered at CHF 120 000 to 180 000 (lot 3003).

Mariotto di Nardo (and workshop) (active circa 1394 – 1424), The Madonna and Child enthroned with saints. Tempera on panel. 71 x 42 cm. Est. CHF 120 000.- / 180 000. Photo Koller.

Silver, Porcelain, Faience and Glass 
Important majolica and a travel set by Charles Nicolas Odiot

Among the highlights of the porcelain and faience Auction are two important, 48 cm majolica “Istoriato albarelli a quartieri” from Faenza, manufactured in the years 1540/1550. Both vessels have been part of the important Scalea Collection in Paler- mo, and were provided by a Roman private collector. The pieces are each estimated at CHF 90 000 to 120 000 (lots 1729 and 1730). There are also several interesting small collector’s items from Meissen on offer, such as the pilgrim’s bottle with floral decoration (lot 1762, CHF 3 000 / 5 000) and the rare Lidded Pot with “Augsburger Goldchinesen” (lot 1763, CHF 8 000 / 12 000). 

Important, large ‘majolica’ porcelain ‘istoriato’ albarello ‘a quartieri’, Faenza, ca. 1540-1550. Cylindrical, slightly conical vessel with circumferential profiled rings on the top and on the bottom. The front with a scene from the Stations of the Cross, depicting Christ on his way to Golgotha. at the moment he stumbles and Saint Veronica hands him the sudarium (sweat-cloth) which already shows the features of Christ. The scene takes place in a crowd of Roman soldiers, with an antique cityscape in the background. Framed by a green laurel wreath with yellow fruit, on a background of tendril borders with grotesque figures in blue, yellow and green in the ‘Quartieri’ style. The top of the scene is adorned by an inscription accentuated in blue: ‘ZUCCARUM BUGULOSATUM’. Remains of old provenance labels ‘Collection Scalea’. H 48.5 cm, D 32 cm. Small repairs and some chipping of the glaze. Est. CHF 90 000.- / 120 000. Photo Koller.

Important, large ‘majolica’ porcelain ‘istoriato’ albarello ‘a quartieri’, Faenza, ca. 1540-1550. Cylindrical, slightly conical vessel with circumferential profiled rings on the top and bottom. The front with a scene depicting the Biblical Deluge, framed by a green laurel wreath with yellow fruit, on a background of tendril borders with grotesque figures in blue, yellow and green in the ‘Quartieri’ style. The top of the scene is adorned by an inscription accentuated in white and blue: ‘ZUCCARUM MOLATUM’. Remains of old provenance labels ‘Collection Scalea’. H 49 cm, D 33 cm. Small repairs and some chipping of the glaze. Est. CHF 90 000.- / 120 000. Photo Koller.

Porcelain pilgrim bottle, Meissen, ca. 1730-35.  After a Böttger porcelain model by Johann Jacob Irminger von 1715, designed without lateral mascarons. Sword mark on the glazed convex bottom in the top glazing. H 13.5 cm. Gold cover, repaired. Est. CHF 3 000.- / 5 000. Photo Koller.

Very rare Lidded Pot with “Augsburger Goldchinesen”, Meissen, ca. 1720. Painted in the workshop of Bartholomäus Seuter. Round vessel with curved handle. Painted with gold Chinese figures and plants. The convex cover similarly painted and with a profiled finial. Remains of a lustre mark on the bottom of the pot. Minimal chipping on the bottom and on the cover. H 14.8 cm. (2). Est. CHF 8 000.- / 12 000. Photo Koller.

The silver auction features a travel set from Paris, made in the first half of the 19th century, with the maker’s mark of the silversmith Charles Nicolas Odiot. This comprehensive, parcel-gilt service for four persons formerly belonged to a Bohemian noble family. The travel set weighs approximately 23.6 kilos and is estimated at CHF 46 000 to 66 000 (lot 1927). 

Travel service, Paris, 1st half of the 19th century. Maker’s mark: Charles Nicolas Odiot. Parcel-gilt. Comprising: 8 coasters (unmarked, with wooden base), 1 samovar, 2 oval platters, 4 plates, 4 double salt cellars, 1 mustard pot, 1 small tureen with cover, 1 présentoir (each with initials « DF »). 2 round platters, 1 bowl on legs, tea pot, coffee pot, cream jug, and sugar bowl (each with monogram « GM »). 1 large tray with handles (silver-plated), 2 candle holders, 6 spice spoons (matching). Est: CHF 46 000.- / 66 000. Photo Koller.

Jewellery and Watches
Large selection of diamond jewellery

The top lot of the jewellery auction is a diamond ring set in platinum, weighing over 5 carat, and is estimated at CHF 200 000 to 300 000 (lot 2165). In addition, many other modern and older diamond jewellery items will be available at the auction on 16 September, such as the drop-shaped solitaire ring weighing 6.18 carat by René Kern for CHF 180 000 to 280 000 (lot 2202) and the opulent diamond ring by Sterle (5.28 carat) from the 1960s for CHF 75 000 to 100 000 (lot 2185). 

A cushion-cut diamond ring set in platinum, weighing over 5 carat. Est. CHF 200 000 – 300 000. Photo Koller.

A drop-shaped solitaire ring weighing 6.18 carat by René Kern. Est. CHF 180 000 – 280 000. Photo Koller.

An opulent diamond ring by Sterlé (5.28 carat) from the 1960s. Est. CHF 75 000 – 100 000. Photo Koller.

Old Master Prints and Drawings
Von Alt, Canaletto and Delacroix

The studies for a View of Prague in black crayon and water color, from 1849, by the Viennese artist Rudolph von Alt will be up for auction at Koller on 19 September at an estimated price of CHF 12 000 to 15 000 (lot 3492). An etching depicting the ruins of the Pirna Suburb, from 1766, by Canaletto is estimated at CHF 6 000 to 8 000 (lot 3650). Eugène Delacroix is represented with his work depicting Jean Marot presenting his manuscript to Anne of Britain (lot 3466, CHF 7 000 / 10 000). The water color “View of Lake Lucerne” by Edward Theodore Comton (lot 3613, CHF 6 000 / 8 000) is a highlight of the Helvetica on offer. 

Rudolph von Alt (1812 Vienna 1905), Studies for a view of Prague, black crayon and water color, 1849, 26,5 x36,2 cm. Est: CHF 12 000 – 15 000. Photo Koller.

Bernardo Bellotto called Canaletto (Venice 1721-1780 Warsaw) , The ruins of the Pirna Suburb with the Palais Fürstenhof, 1766, etching, 53 x 63,5 cm. Est. CHF 6 000 – 8 000. Photo Koller.

Eugène Delacroix (Charenton Saint Maurice 1798-1863 Paris),  Jean Marot presents Anne of Britain his manuscript. Est. CHF 7 000 / 10 000). Photo Koller.

Edward Theodore Comton (Stoke Newington 1849-1921 Feldafing), “View of Lake Lucerne”, water color heightened with white,  66,5x 106 cm. Est CHF 6 000 – 8 000. Photo Koller.

Koller Auctions announces sensational discovery of a Bureau-Plat by André-Charles Boulle

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André-Charles Boulle, Bureau Plat, ca. 1720

A Bureau-Plat by the most important French cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle, Paris, ca. 1720. Estimate: CHF 1,5 to 2,5 million. 

ZURICH.- Koller Auctions presents a Bureau-Plat by the most important French cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle to be offered at the upcoming auction for furniture and decoration on September 18. It is the discovery of a previously unknown masterpiece and the world‘s first auction of a Boulle desk since 2005. The estimate for this museum piece is set at CHF 1.5 to 2.5 million. 

In the early 18th century, André-Charles Boulle, first cabinetmaker at the court of the Sun King Louis XIV, delivered one of his prestigious desks (Bureau-Plat) to a French aristocratic family, where it remained and was passed down over the centuries within the family until it eventually reached private castle estate in western Switzerland. Here it was rediscovered by Koller and consigned to an auction. The excellent quality of the desk, the complete provenance and the fact that this piece of furniture has been unknown to the art market and research to date, makes this current disco- very a sensation.

Fine Bureau-Plat «aux têtes de satyre» The large, four-legged Bureau-Plat by André-Charles Boulle can be divided into three categories: desks with rolled corner bronzes, desks with «têtes de femme» and desks with «têtes de satyre». The latter made by Boulle as early as 1690 in several variations, for which reason it is his largest category. Among them is the example offered at Koller Auctions on September 18. It was created around 1720 in the style of the Regency, measures 195x98x80 cm and is made of ebony and red and brown tortoiseshell. It offers an extremely fine brass inlay in the form of flowers, cartouches and leaves. The desktop is covered with black leather and rests on the typical, distinctive curved legs. The desks name derives from the lush bronze fittings, designed as satyrs, gargoyles, leaves and decorative friezes.

All known desks «aux têtes de satyre» can be found in the most prestigious museums of the world. The one to be offered at Koller is almost identical to the Bureau-Plat acquired in 1985 by the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. Four other specimens are in the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle, the Wallace Collection in London, the Budapest Museum of Fine Arts and at the Frick Collection in New York. Boulle desks are very rarely found at auction. The last time a comparable Bureau-Plat was offered for sale was on 14 December 2005 as part of the famous Wildenstein auction in London. At that time the piece achieved 2.9 million pounds.

The exclusive Bureau-Plat by André-Charles Boulle were already much desired among the most important exponents of his time. The list of original first owners therefore stretches from family members of King Louis XIV, to King Philipp V of Spain, the Prince of Conde, Cardinal Prince de Rohan, the financier family Bernard to the ministers of Louis XV, such as his infamous Treasurer, Abbot Joseph Marie Terray. The early popularity of such desks is also apparent in the numerous illustra- tions from the 18th century. 

André-Charles Boulle was born on November 10 1642 in Paris, where he later died, on Saturday March 1 1732. His long and successful career as a cabinetmaker makes him one of the most important figures in the history of art under King Louis XIV and the Regency era. This success is due, in addition to the perfect aesthetics of his furniture, in particular to an ambitious business plan, according to which Boulle as «designer» of exclusive furniture made from innovative materials had his designs implemented by the greatest craftsmen and artists in his workshop. Thereby Boulle controlled the production and guaranteed their uniformity. Already at the age of 29, on instruction of Louis XIV and by decree of Maria Theresa he received one of the coveted «logements» under the gallery of the Louvre on May 20 1672, where he worked until old age. 

Due to the high degree of organisation of work, which he introduced in his workshop after bottlenecks in production and conflicts with dealers, he could still coordinate 17 Bureau-Plats at the same time at the age of 78. He was able to counter the extremely time-consuming production of luxury furniture by relying on prefabrication. The furniture, especially the desks, were stored in a kind of raw state, only completed in their basic structure with partial Marquetry and not yet decorated with bronze fittings. This made it possible for Boulle‘s studio to adjust and complete the furniture according to the customer requi- rements, despite the time pressure. 

Albeit his success, recurring financial difficulties, such as outstanding wage payments to his employees and tax problems, forced André-Charles Boulle to sign over his company to his four sons in 1715, however without giving away the reins.