Pair of Venetian Hippocamp Ornaments
A favourite acquisition, an original pair of late 18th or early 19th century Venetian lead gondola ornaments with which the gondoliers would tether their boats to the Venice canal docks. Highly decorative, each takes the form of a mythical hippocamp, complete with etched mane, face and tail.
Latterly replicated in brass for the tourist market, the functionality of this pair is evidenced by their long lead reins and weighted copper covered bases, each weighing almost 5kg, attached with enough movement to allow for the motion of the waves.
With a beautiful patina and signs of age we have left them unpolished. A wonderful example of art and craftsmanship.
Each measures approx. 24cm high by 25cm long and 9cm wide
A favourite acquisition, an original pair of late 18th or early 19th century Venetian lead gondola ornaments with which the gondoliers would tether their boats to the Venice canal docks. Highly decorative, each takes the form of a mythical hippocamp, complete with etched mane, face and tail.
Latterly replicated in brass for the tourist market, the functionality of this pair is evidenced by their long lead reins and weighted copper covered bases, each weighing almost 5kg, attached with enough movement to allow for the motion of the waves.
With a beautiful patina and signs of age we have left them unpolished. A wonderful example of art and craftsmanship.
Each measures approx. 24cm high by 25cm long and 9cm wide
A favourite acquisition, an original pair of late 18th or early 19th century Venetian lead gondola ornaments with which the gondoliers would tether their boats to the Venice canal docks. Highly decorative, each takes the form of a mythical hippocamp, complete with etched mane, face and tail.
Latterly replicated in brass for the tourist market, the functionality of this pair is evidenced by their long lead reins and weighted copper covered bases, each weighing almost 5kg, attached with enough movement to allow for the motion of the waves.
With a beautiful patina and signs of age we have left them unpolished. A wonderful example of art and craftsmanship.
Each measures approx. 24cm high by 25cm long and 9cm wide