23. Silver Art Nouveau Cane
Ca. 1900 This remarkable silver crook handle is delicately modeled, heavily cast, and masterfully hand- chased to depict the poetic tableau of a woman in a tender embrace with a crescent moon. The moon, personified with the serene face of an elderly man smiling gently, appears utterly enchanted by his companion, a long-haired, barefoot beauty dressed in a flowing gown, who playfully tugs at his beard. The contrast between her youthful grace and his timeworn expression creates a surreal, romantically charged image, rich in sentiment and steeped in mythical reverie. The scene may be interpreted as a symbolic parable, akin to “The Old Man and the Young,” a timeless reflection on desire, time, and the dreamlike connection. This cane, alive with lyrical storytelling, embodies the spirit of French Art Nouveau at its most expressive. The woman, inspired by the ethereal muses of Symbolist painting, serves as a bridge between reality and fantasy, a figure drawn from a world of dreamy eroticism and poetic longing. What makes this piece truly exceptional is not only its narrative richness but also the fluent, sculptural ease with which the artist has merged image and function. The motif blends seam- lessly into the curve of the crook, forming an ergonomic shape that fits the hand with elegant precision. The level of craftsmanship, both imaginative and technical, is extraordinary. Notably, the handle bears no hallmarks, suggesting it may have been a unique prototype, never intended for mass production. However, the French origin is likely evident in both style and execution. Completing the piece is a luxurious snake wood shaft, distinguished by a highly figured grain, rich coloration, and smooth, tactile finish. A horn ferrule provides a refined touch at the base. The cane shows just the right amount of age and wear, evidence of use that only enhances its allure without detracting from its value. It remains a rare and poetic object, quietly whispering stories from another world. H. 3 ¾” x 4”, O.L. 35”
$700-$800
The moon has long been associated with fertility, love, and longing, its phases mirroring the rhythms of life itself. When waxing, it is said to stir abundance and desire; when waning, to usher in reflection and retreat. This natural cycle, rich in symbolism, has inspired countless interpretations in mythology, spirituality, and the arts. Such themes resonated deeply within the Art Nouveau movement, which flourished from the 1890s to the early 1910s across Europe and the United States. Characterized by graceful, organic lines and a reverence for nature and the feminine form, Art Nouveau sought to break from academic tradition and reimagine beauty in everyday objects. The movement bore many names: Jugendstil in Germany, Sezessionstil in Austria, Stile Liberty in Italy, Modernismo in Spain. Still, its essence remained the same: a lyrical, often dreamlike vision of art and life intertwined. Canes and cane handles from this era reflect the movement’s most poetic impulses. They were more than functional accessories; they became intimate expressions of personal taste, artistic ideals, and, at times, symbolic storytelling. Today, these objects are treasured not only for their craftsmanship but for the rich cultural and emotional narratives they carry.
Continental Cane Collection Auction - 51
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