DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6656#0037
XII.
Large silver-gilt Wine Cooler, or Flask.
Height 33rr¥ in. Diameter of side 16§ in.
This large Flask appears to have been used for cooling liquids, and it is supposed from some
indications which remain, that a particular apparatus for the purpose was introduced into it. The body
proper of the vessel is of a circular form, and displays on one side, in embossed work, a horseman riding
at full speed, bearing before him a captive, or wounded soldier, in a singular attitude, and in the back
ground a castle and encampment with soldiery. On the opposite side is represented a knight in armour
standing before a captive; a castle in the act of being scaled is seen in the distance, with groups of armed
men, and pieces of artillery, scattered about in front of it. Both subjects are encircled by a border of
richly embossed arabesques, and surmounted by the Saxon Electoral Arms. This latter circumstance, and
other reasons, have led to the supposition that these representations may refer to the taking of Gotha by
the Elector Augustus.
Embossed arabesques of beautiful workmanship adorn the octangular foot, the neck, and other parts of
this gigantic vessel, which, for the convenience of carriage, is provided with a handle of a somewhat singular
form. The execution of the whole seems to indicate an Augsburg origin.
Large silver-gilt Wine Cooler, or Flask.
Height 33rr¥ in. Diameter of side 16§ in.
This large Flask appears to have been used for cooling liquids, and it is supposed from some
indications which remain, that a particular apparatus for the purpose was introduced into it. The body
proper of the vessel is of a circular form, and displays on one side, in embossed work, a horseman riding
at full speed, bearing before him a captive, or wounded soldier, in a singular attitude, and in the back
ground a castle and encampment with soldiery. On the opposite side is represented a knight in armour
standing before a captive; a castle in the act of being scaled is seen in the distance, with groups of armed
men, and pieces of artillery, scattered about in front of it. Both subjects are encircled by a border of
richly embossed arabesques, and surmounted by the Saxon Electoral Arms. This latter circumstance, and
other reasons, have led to the supposition that these representations may refer to the taking of Gotha by
the Elector Augustus.
Embossed arabesques of beautiful workmanship adorn the octangular foot, the neck, and other parts of
this gigantic vessel, which, for the convenience of carriage, is provided with a handle of a somewhat singular
form. The execution of the whole seems to indicate an Augsburg origin.