Carved Ivory Cup Decorated With Putti In Homage To Bacchus, 17th Century

Rare carved ivory monoxyl cup, Northern Europe, 17th century. The piece features an exceptionally fine high-relief decoration, illustrating a tribute to Bacchus, god of wine. Around a goat, a traditional Bacchic symbol, joyful putti form a circle holding floral garlands, in an atmosphere of celebration and abundance. Each figure is treated with great attention to detail: animated expressions, delicate anatomies, richly worked floral compositions. The liveliness of the scene and the quality of the relief testify to a remarkable mastery, characteristic of the best Flemish or German workshops of the Baroque period. Beautiful natural light honey patina. Fine visible desiccation cracks, consistent with the age of the piece.