19th C. Karl L. H. Muller Copper Relief - Cupid Riding a Bear
Karl L. H. Muller (German-born American, 1820-1887). Cupid riding a bear. Copper relief, n.d. Signed at lower left. Ca. 1850–1887 CE. A circular copper relief shows a winged Cupid sitting astride a shaggy bear in an Alpine landscape. The plump, nude child holds on to the animal's ruff with one hand and turns his face toward the viewer. His broad, finely feathered wings fan out against the sky. The bear moves forward with its jaws open in a snarl, and its coat is rendered in dense, chased tufts. Jagged, snow-capped peaks rise behind them, and grass grows thick underfoot. The roundel is signed "K. MULLER" at lower left. It is set against a black pebble-grained ground inside an oak frame with molded acanthus ornament. The subject probably plays on the classical idea that love conquers even the fiercest creature, treated here with Victorian charm. Size in frame: 7.62" L x 7.62" W x 1" D (19.4 cm L x 19.4 cm W x 2.5 cm D); Size of artwork: 4.25" Diam (10.8 cm Diam).
Karl L. H. Muller (1820-1887) was a German-born sculptor and modeler who settled in the United States. He is best known for his work at the Union Porcelain Works in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where he served as chief designer and modeler. His most celebrated work there is the Century Vase, made for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. It is a virtuoso porcelain tribute to American history, with examples now held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. He also designed many of the firm's figural pitchers and tablewares, which are known for their wit and skilled modeling.
The allegorical, gently humorous approach of his porcelain designs also shows in his work in metal. Cupid taming a wild animal was a popular Victorian subject, drawn from the Latin motto "Amor vincit omnia" (love conquers all).
Provenance: private Sheffield, Massachusetts, USA collection
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #205556
Condition
Mounted in custom frame; has not been examined outside of frame. Stable fissure to Cupid's foot and perforation to upper left corner. Some light surface wear with some nicks to frame, but otherwise, both relief and frame appear to be in good condition. Suspension wire on verso for display.
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Karl L. H. Muller (German-born American, 1820-1887). Cupid riding a bear. Copper relief, n.d. Signed at lower left. Ca. 1850–1887 CE. A circular copper relief shows a winged Cupid sitting astride a shaggy bear in an Alpine landscape. The plump, nude child holds on to the animal's ruff with one hand and turns his face toward the viewer. His broad, finely feathered wings fan out against the sky. The bear moves forward with its jaws open in a snarl, and its coat is rendered in dense, chased tufts. Jagged, snow-capped peaks rise behind them, and grass grows thick underfoot. The roundel is signed "K. MULLER" at lower left. It is set against a black pebble-grained ground inside an oak frame with molded acanthus ornament. The subject probably plays on the classical idea that love conquers even the fiercest creature, treated here with Victorian charm. Size in frame: 7.62" L x 7.62" W x 1" D (19.4 cm L x 19.4 cm W x 2.5 cm D); Size of artwork: 4.25" Diam (10.8 cm Diam).
Karl L. H. Muller (1820-1887) was a German-born sculptor and modeler who settled in the United States. He is best known for his work at the Union Porcelain Works in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where he served as chief designer and modeler. His most celebrated work there is the Century Vase, made for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. It is a virtuoso porcelain tribute to American history, with examples now held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. He also designed many of the firm's figural pitchers and tablewares, which are known for their wit and skilled modeling.
The allegorical, gently humorous approach of his porcelain designs also shows in his work in metal. Cupid taming a wild animal was a popular Victorian subject, drawn from the Latin motto "Amor vincit omnia" (love conquers all).
Provenance: private Sheffield, Massachusetts, USA collection
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #205556
Condition
Mounted in custom frame; has not been examined outside of frame. Stable fissure to Cupid's foot and perforation to upper left corner. Some light surface wear with some nicks to frame, but otherwise, both relief and frame appear to be in good condition. Suspension wire on verso for display.
Sale price
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
