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A rare pair of Louis XV ormolu mounted patinated bronze models of recumbent horsesThe bases mid-18th century, the horses probably 17th century and Italian or German
Sold for £15,360 inc. premium
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Find your local specialistA rare pair of Louis XV ormolu mounted patinated bronze models of recumbent horses
Raised on elaborate footed rocaille and acanthus scrolling bases cast with shells and foliage, the fronts raised on rockwork feet, 25cm wide, 18cm deep, 14cm high (9 1/2in wide, 7in deep, 5 1/2in high) (2)
Footnotes
Provenance
Sotheby's, Monaco, Bel Ameublement including the collection of Madame Pierre Schlumberger, 26-27 February 1992, lot 238.
Galerie Gismondi, Paris.
Horse or Unicorn? At first sight these animals appear equine, but certain features arguably belong to the world of myth rather than to that of the horse. The pointed upper lip and their beards are a feature commonly found on unicorns since the Medieval period. Comparisons can be made with well-documented 16th century German silver unicorns, such as the Nuremberg standing cup in the British museum (number WB.140) and the Augsburg late 16th or early 17th century Unicorn drinking cup offered for sale by Sotheby's on 3 July 2012.
























