A large Saxon musical instrument case - image-1

Lot 593 D‡α

A large Saxon musical instrument case

Auction 1140 - overview Cologne
15.11.2019, 14:00 - Decorative Arts II
Estimate: 5.000 € - 6.000 €
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A large Saxon musical instrument case

Palisander, boxwood, walnut, and stained fruitwood on softwood corpus with gilt bronze mountings and iron lock. Simple, slightly trapezoid coffer with lid. Marquetry decor to all display sides: the lid with the arms of alliance of Elector Friedrich Christian of Saxony and his wife Princess Maria Antonia of Bavaria flanking the double-headed imperial eagle and beneath a ducal crown, the other faces with floral marquetry. The interior with fine wood veneer. Restored. Ca. 26 cm x 69 cm x 26.5 cm.
Mid-18th C.

This coffer was probably made as a case for a precious musical instrument, possibly a hurdy gurdy. Electoress Maria Antonia was a highly educated woman, played several instruments and composed her own music. She was also a member of the esteemed Roman poet's circle Accademia dell'Arcadia under the false name of Ermelinda Talea Pastorella Arcadia.