Hexagonal and with screw off domed cover with hinged scroll ring handle, the sides later engraved with six Biblical scenes after Virgil Solis, within strapwork, putti and winged cherub cartouches, marked underneath and in side cover with later Prussian mark FW
9 in. (23 cm.) high overall
29 oz. 3 dwt. (908 gr.)
The panels depict scenes from the Old and New Testament: 1. Hagar in the Desert (Genesis, Chapter 21), 2. Rebekah at the Well (Genesis, Chapter 24), 3. Moses Striking the Rock at Kadesh (Numbers, Chapter 20), 4. Gideon's War (Judges, Chapter 7), 5. Christ on the Mount of Olives (Luke, Chapter 22), 6. Christ and the Samaritan Woman at the Well (John, Chapter 4).

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Lot Essay

The biblical scenes on the canister are inspired by the engraving of Virgil Solis (1514-1562). Solis and his workshop produced 218 woodcuts and two title pages for two illustrated bibles. Published in by Sigmund Feyerabend of Frankfurt in 1560 and 1562, the success of the Biblische Figuren des Alter Testaments und Neuen testaments led to the publications of a further ten editions printed between 1565 and 1606, proving the lasting demand for his work which later influenced 17th century goldsmiths such as Wiedemann.
Solis, together with Matthias Zundt (1498-1586) and Solis' pupil Jost Amman, was responsible with for the dissemination of mannerist ornament throughout Europe.

Solis created some two thousands prints, although many were copied from earlier sources, such as the work of the Antwerp engraver Cornelis Floris and the Nuremberg goldsmith Wenzel Jamnizter. Solis showed a preference for dramatic sculptural effects and a crowded style, as is evident here. Berlin made canisters of this type are usually found unengraved and it is probable that the expertly engraved scenes were added to the canister in the 19th century.

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