Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Mastery of Design: The Dresden Quartz Lamb, 1750


Click Image for detail.
Box of quartz, diamonds, rubies, gold and silver
Dresden, Germany
circa 1750
The Victoria & Albert Museum


This amethystine quartz box with gold mounts, brilliant-cut diamonds set in silver and rubies set in gold is one of two jeweled, sculptural sheep on exhibit at the V&A. This one was made in Dresden, Germany, circa 1750.

An object of such valuable materials was made more so for display than it was daily use, but it could have once housed some prized or precious items. Clearly, the box has avoided constant handling as it is in excellent condition. Today, the maker of the piece is unknown, but the exquisite workmanship of the object is a lasting testament to the artist’s immense skill. 




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