A rare Nuremberg one-handled mortar monogrammed W - image-1
A rare Nuremberg one-handled mortar monogrammed W - image-2
A rare Nuremberg one-handled mortar monogrammed W - image-1A rare Nuremberg one-handled mortar monogrammed W - image-2

Lot 602 Dα

A rare Nuremberg one-handled mortar monogrammed W

Auction 1152 - overview Cologne
29.05.2020, 11:00 - Highly Important Mortars from the Schwarzach Collection II
Estimate: 13.000 € - 15.000 €
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A rare Nuremberg one-handled mortar monogrammed W

Thick cast bronze with slightly mottled dark brown patina. Of tapering form with three twisted ribs terminating in paw feet at the base and Bourbon lilies at the top, protruding moulded rim. Faceted curved handles with braided applique décor. Bold W monogram flanked by two rosettes beneath the rim. H 19.5 cm, D 17.8 cm. Weight c. 5 kg.
Attributed to Nuremberg, 15th century.

Only very few Nuremberg bronze casters of the Gothic period are known by name. Very few of these early pharmaceutical products bear ornamentation, dates, or monograms that would allow us to learn a little about their makers or patrons.
The prominently modelled W on the display side of this mortar poses several questions as to its patron. The fact that the work can be attributed to the Nuremberg region, or Southern Germany, could indicate that the monogram relates to a commission by the Welf or Wittelsbach dynasties who ruled Bavaria.

Literature

A similar mortar in the collection of the Germanisches Nationalmuseum is illus. in: Mende, Die mittelalterlichen Bronzen im Germanischen Nationalmuseum, Munich 2013, cat. 115 ff.