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A rare pair of cabinet silver figures of knights, produced by the firm of Berthold Hermann Müller in Hanau - one of Germany’s leading centres for artistic silver production during the Historicism period. The compositions are executed in the Renaissance Revival aesthetic and reflect the late 19th-century fascination with the artistic heritage of the European Renaissance.
The figures depict two noble warriors in ceremonial attire, standing on pierced hexagonal bases decorated with openwork foliate ornament. One knight is represented in full tournament armour with a crowned helmet, sword and shield bearing heraldic motifs. The surface of the armour is finely chased and engraved, recreating the elaborate decoration of parade armour from the age of Emperor Maximilian I and the Northern Renaissance.
The second figure represents a bearded monarch or nobleman wearing a richly ornamented costume and a cloak decorated with Fleur-de-Lys motifs associated with French royal heraldry. The faces and hands are carved from ivory, creating a striking contrast of materials characteristic of luxury Kunstkammer objects.
The exceptional attention to detail, including chainmail elements, weapons, textile textures, ornamental borders and miniature decorative features, demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship achieved by Hanau silversmiths. Such cabinet sculptures were created as luxury collector’s objects for European connoisseurs and aristocratic interiors of the Belle Époque period.
Marks: Maker’s mark «B.H.M» - Berthold Hermann Müller, Hanau; importer’s mark «T.C & S Ltd» - Thomas Callow & Son Ltd, London; British import assay marks; Sterling silver standard mark «925».
Dimensions: Height: 24 cm and 22.5 cm. Width: 9 cm.
Weight: Total weight: 1130 g (606 g + 524 g).
Provenance: Private European collection.
Hanau silver of the late 19th century occupies an important place in the history of European decorative arts of the Historicism period. With its long-established tradition of goldsmithing and silversmithing, the city of Hanau became one of the principal centres for the production of artistic silver in the second half of the 19th century, creating works intended for collectors, international exhibitions and aristocratic interiors.
Rather than producing simple reproductions of historical models, Hanau craftsmen created new artistic objects inspired by the legacy of the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. A particularly significant movement was Renaissance Revival, based on the reinterpretation of 16th-century art, ceremonial armour, chivalric culture, heraldry and the tradition of European cabinets of curiosities.
Berthold Hermann Müller was among the notable Hanau silver manufacturers specialising in highly detailed collector’s pieces. The workshop produced cups, nefs, sculptural compositions, decorative vessels and cabinet figures intended for collectors of historicist works of art. Many of the firm’s creations were exported to the British market through specialist importers, including Thomas Callow & Son Ltd.
During the Belle Époque era, silver figures of knights became prestigious collector’s objects. They embodied the 19th-century romantic fascination with the Renaissance, medieval chivalry and the ideals of European aristocratic culture.
The creation of such pieces required exceptional silversmithing skills. Techniques including casting, hand chasing, engraving and pierced silverwork allowed craftsmen to reproduce the smallest details of historical costumes, weapons and decorative elements. The use of ivory for exposed parts of the figures enhanced their realism and emphasised their status as luxury cabinet works.
The present pair of silver figures represents an outstanding example of Hanau Renaissance Revival silver - a movement in which late 19th-century German craftsmen combined technical excellence in silverwork with a profound appreciation for the artistic traditions of the European Renaissance.
Good collector’s condition. Minor signs of age and natural patina consistent with the period. The original decorative elements, fine chased details and expressive surface finish have been preserved.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
