Tankard

Valentinius (Felten) Urbiger

ca. 1650 · Gilded silver · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The harmonious proportions, the careful distinction between matte and polished areas, and the powerful lid with its sculptural finial give this great tankard a particular elegance. The little recumbent stag, a symbol of hunting, rests on the lid framed by thin branches of so-called Krauswerk, or silver scroll-sheet foliage, that defines the space. Various tankards and covered cups with a similar stag cast are known. The decorative finials were prefabricated and bought from specialists. Its model was very popular. Cups in the form of a stag or beakers and tankards decorated with hunting motifs were offered after the hunt to special guests or to the most successful hunter in a hunting lodge.

Artist

Valentinius (Felten) Urbiger

Date

ca. 1650

Medium

Gilded silver

Culture

Hungarian, Brassó

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of The Salgo Trust for Education, New York, in memory of Nicolas M. Salgo, 2010