a-l-ancien-regime: One of a Pair of Wine Coolers, marked 1781 Ignaz Josef Würth (Austrian, first mentioned 1769, d. 1792) Austria (Vienna) Silver Draped around the bodies of the wine coolers are lion skins, a reference to Hercules wearing the coat of the Nemean lion as a symbol of his strength. The lion skins also teasingly evoke the insulating properties of the coolers. The trophies and grapevines symbolize Bacchus, god of wine and erotic ecstasy, representing the triumph of the pleasures of life. The vigorous design, sparkling play of textures, and daring juxtaposition of classical elements with whimsical sculptural details are Viennese interjections.

a-l-ancien-regime:

One of a Pair of Wine Coolers, marked 1781

Ignaz Josef Würth (Austrian, first mentioned 1769, d. 1792)

Austria (Vienna)

Silver

Draped around the bodies of the wine coolers are lion skins, a reference to Hercules wearing the coat of the Nemean lion as a symbol of his strength. The lion skins also teasingly evoke the insulating properties of the coolers. The trophies and grapevines symbolize Bacchus, god of wine and erotic ecstasy, representing the triumph of the pleasures of life.

The vigorous design, sparkling play of textures, and daring juxtaposition of classical elements with whimsical sculptural details are Viennese interjections.