Lot: 12

Florence
Large mortar with pestle, dated 1443

Thick-walled, golden-brown bronze casting with a shimmering, dark-brown patina. Squat and conical above a recessed foot ring, with a flared, set-off wide rim. Pilaster ribs with floral capitals and fleur-de-lis adorn the body. Carrying handles in the ancient Roman style with lion heads are located on both sides. A continuous inscription in Gothic majuscules, 'A.D.MCCCCXXXXIII FAC FARE ATONV OTARS', dated 1433, runs around the upper rim between two profiled bands. Spade pestle: L. 48 cm. Mortar: H. 35 cm, D. 30 cm.
The mortar was originally accompanied by an expert report from the State Museums of Berlin, Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation. This report, prepared by the Rathgen Research Laboratory, Prof. Dr. Josef Riederer, dated July 5, 2000, confirmed the mortar's authenticity through metallurgical analysis; Compare Hampel Auction Munich, Auction Italian Art, 17th May 2003, Lot 105.
Provenance:
Estate of the industrialist and Olympic dressage champion Gabriela Grillo.

Reserve price: 800 €