Jones, Edward Alfred: A catalogue of the objects in gold & silver and the Limoges enamels in the collection of the Baroness James de Rothschild (London, 1912)

A GREAT CENTRE-PIECE OF SILVER GILT,
ENAMELLED

THIS is a well-known centre-piece by the celebrated Wentzel Jamnitzer, and is a re-
markable and chara&eristic example of his florid and exuberant style. Several parts
and ornaments are enamelled in the German manner of the middle of the sixteenth
century, notably the vase containing the bouquet of white flowers on the top. The
interior is also enamelled with medallions of arabesque work and cornucopiae, and decorated in
relief with masks, amorini, trophies of arms and birds on an enamelled ground. The bowl is
supported by three amorini, in white silver, their hair being gilt, and three enamelled eagles.
The stem, in the form of a figure of Ceres, is parcel gilt, and stands amid flowers, interspersed
with lizards and lobsters. The following inscription of praise to Ceres, as the earth-goddess, is
enamelled on scutcheons:
i
Celebrato laudibus Deum,
O grata mens mortalium.
ii
Diuina sunt quecunq; fert
Fmcuda Tellus munera.
hi
Sed nos ministri spiritus
Tuemur haec diuinitus
i
Cur mole mollis fcemina
Heic tot grauata fructuu
Aut quae Dearu sim rogas
2
Sum terra Mater Omnium,
Onusta caro pondere
Nascentium ex me fru&uu.
3
No uiribus graues botri
Nec sunt molesti pedulis
Foetus uiretes ffondib
4
Moles jocuda scilicet
Qua corda fceta sustinet
Leuiter ferutq leniter.
5
Sic fulcra saxeo solo
Subnixa, gestat fortiter
Robusta magha Regiam.

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