A small gilt copper box signed by Michel Mann - image-1

Lot 795 Dα

A small gilt copper box signed by Michel Mann

Auction 1131 - overview Cologne
17.05.2019, 10:30 - Decorative Arts
Estimate: 3.000 € - 5.000 €
Result: 3.968 € (incl. premium)
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A small gilt copper box signed by Michel Mann

Of rectangular section resting on four bun feet, with original key. The open lock with four bolts. Engraved decor throughout including an elegant couple to the lid, a rider and a fleeing man to the front, a man with a horse to the back, and riders to the narrow sides. The latch on the lid engraved "MICHEL MANN". A small part of the lock lose, one of initially four bolts lost. 4.8 cm x 7.4 cm x 4.9 cm.
Augsburg or Nuremberg, circa 1620 - 30.

Berger researched the archival evidence of the box and lock maker family Mann. Michael or Michel Mann was active in Augsburg until 1616 and died in Nuremberg in 1630. The signatures used on his boxes vary. Nothing is known about the engravings upon which the motifs used here are based. They depict scenes of horsemen, perhaps from the Thirty Years' War, which would allow us to date the box to after 1620.

Literature

Various comparable boxes from the workshop of Conrad and Michael Mann in: Berger, Prunkkassette Meisterwerke aus der Hans Schell Collection, Graz 1998, p. 117 ff.