Object Description
392 TRIUMPH OF A PRINCESS
An elaborately dressed woman is seated in a small chariot drawn to right by two putti, one of which holds a flying bird on a ribbon; two putti blowing trumpets and one grasping a garland which hangs from the chariot walk beside and behind her. Above fly two putti, one carrying flowers, the other holding a crown over the woman's head. At left, a tree. Stippled background.
Bronze, 45 x 70 mm., rounded corners.
This relief most probably represents the triumph of an historical personage. Such mythological glorifications are in accord with baroque cultural attitudes toward the ruling class. Possibly the relief originally served as the lid of a presentation box which, from the time of Louis XIV onwards, became the most favored mark of royal esteem. "Ambassadors, diplomats and members of the court were singled out by the presentation of these little cases, generally bearing the portrait of a sovereign. Their value varied according to the person being honored Royal betrothals were sealed with the exchange of such boxes. . . ." (Reallexikon zur Deutschen Kunstgeschichte 4, Stuttgart 1958, col. 336.) The place of origin of this plaquette can possibly be more precisely ascertained upon the identification of the person it depicts.
