Northern Europe, probably Britain or the Low Countries, ca. early to mid-17th century CE. An intriguing cast bronze figure of a kneeling man with a tab cast as part of the back of one foot, presumably for attachment as a finial on a piece of table ware, like a salt cellar. The man's hands are at his sides and slightly extended, as if he was made to hold something in them (a small bowl, perhaps). His face is sensitively shown, despite its miniaturization, with wide eyes and well-proportioned features. The man's clothing is detailed: high boots to the upper calf, leggings, and a tunic with a distinctive collar and three laces across the upper chest. Size: 1.6" L x 1" W x 2.05" H (4.1 cm x 2.5 cm x 5.2 cm)

The figure's clothing style provides clues to its date of manufacture. The pointed collar is a relatively late invention, known at its earliest in Britain from the Elizabethan period. For example, the Chandos portrait of Shakespeare (National Portrait Gallery, London: NPG 1) shows the poet wearing a very similar collar with the laces open and hanging down the front of the tunic.

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired over twenty years ago

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#121642

Green patina with light encrustation on surface. Details, especially of the face and clothing, are in excellent condition.