Large German chest, 19th century. Circle of REINHOLD VASTERS (Aachen, 1827-1909).
Veneered in kingwood, decorated with gilded and enameled bronzes.
Interior lined with red silk. Original mercury mirror set with wavy moldings.
This chest can be compared with several chests in the style of Wenzel Jamnitzer, most of them in major Austrian and German museums.
Parallels:
- 17th century chest by Wenzel Jamnitzer, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden
- Augsburg casket, s. XVII, Porphyrius Collection, Leuven.
Measurements: 60.5 x 37.5 x 50 cm.
Large and important German chest with a rectangular floor plan embellished with gilded bronze reliefs that protect and ornament the piece. Its folding lid culminates in a round figure representing a classically inspired lady, dressed in a toga, resting next to two puppies. The finishes that end up decorating the object represent vegetations, masks, volutes and filigrees. This is undoubtedly a piece of great elegance and sophistication. A thin drawer for documents opens at the bottom.
A prominent goldsmith and collector, Reinhold Vasters was one of the most important jewelry designers and jewelers of the 19th century. Trained as a goldsmith in Krefeld, he developed his craftsmanship skills in London, Paris and Vienna. In 1853 he moved to Aachen and registered his trademark working in the cathedral and specializing in gold and silver. Later he became a prolific forger expert in the adulteration of Renaissance jewels, in the style of, for example, Wenzel Jamnitzer, Leone Leoni or Valerio Belli. His creations are preserved in the most important museums in the world, such as the British Museum, the Louvre, Victoria & Albert Museum, the Metropolitan, etc.