JAMNITZER, Wenzel

In the 16th century, Nuremberg established itself alongside Padua as an important centre for the creation of casts from nature. Wenzel and Albrecht Jamnitzer excelled as pioneers of this technique, still new in southern Germany, and perfected its application in silver. Archduke Ferdinand II of Tyrol, the owner of the small inkstand, appears to have had a special fondness for small, cast animals.

The rectangular box, in whose lower half writing implements are stored, is captivating in its contrast between the clean lines of the box’s structure and the energetic vitality of the cast from nature appliqu�s. The profiled areas of the cover are decorated with casts of insects, clams, a crab, a mouse, a toad and two lizards. An ample festoon of various cast flowers and grasses is situated on the lateral surfaces of the box.

This remarkable container can be seen as characteristic work of Wenzel Jamnitzer.

Jamnitzer, Germany’s foremost Renaissance goldsmith, included intricate castings on elaborate silver chests, writing cabinets, cups, and other sumptuous objects destined for the collections of princes and wealthy patrons. His skills are exhibited in his Mother Earth table decoration, commissioned by Nuremberg’s city council. Although intended as an elaborate civic gift, the council kept it instead for its own pleasure. This was a conversation piece. Exhibited at special ceremonies and banquets, it was intended to be admired and closely scrutinized, rather than used practically as a fruit serving vessel.

The elegant figure of Earth, labelled the Mater Omnium (mother of all), supports the table decoration. She stands amid the bounty of nature. Small cast-silver grasses, lizards, newts and other tiny creations fill the hillock around her feet. Earth bears a large basin adorned with hanging putti, flowers, foliage, scrolls and strapwork. Lobsters, frogs, snakes and turtles dwell within the basin. The table decoration culminates in an enamel vase resting on there half-length female nudes.

The table decoration is an allegory of Earth’s fecundity.

The shell of the Nautilus pompilius was among the exotic natural objects being imported as jewellery to Europe via Portugal in the sixteenth century. Since the Renaissance, the shell of this cephalopod was frequently decorated with goldwork in order to emphasize its uncommon value. With its large chamber opening and evenly shaped edge, the nautilus lends itself very well to the creation of drinking vessels and goblets.

The present cup was made in the Nuremberg workshop of Wenzel Jamnitzer. A finely wrought lower portion serves as the base of the drinking vessel. Here four lizards crawl through delicately rendered grasses and bushes which were created as natural casts.