OPULENT HORN

French, Dieppe, 3rd quarter of the 19th century.
Carved ivory, decoration: funnel area - top, royal English coat-of-arms framed by the Order of the Garter with the motto "HONI SOIT...MAL Y PENSE, with lions as shield holders, the medallion on the bottom depicting King Francis II with his wife Mary of Scotland, underneath a crown, inscription band "FRANCOIS DE VAL. ROY DE...FRANCE ET MARIE RONYE DESCOS", initials "FM" with crown, with the year 1558 on top. Middle field - hunting scenes, hounds rushing a stag, hounds attacking a boar, on top - large scene depicting animals fighting and acanthus frieze. Large mouthpiece with ornamental band and large animal head.
L 57 cm.

This object contains material of endangered species and is subject to certain trade restrictions. Prospective buyers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import it into another country.

The horn decoration commemorates the marriage of King Francis II of France (1544-1560), a Valois, to Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, in 1558. After the death of Francis II, Mary returned to Scotland and was executed for high treason in London in 1587 at the instigation of Queen Elizabeth of England. After 1850, Dieppe, on the Atlantic coast, was home to an important ivory industry, the first heyday of which had ended ca. 1700. An excellent work of Historicism.