Franz Gottstein the Younger (1770–1840), or less likely Anton Heinrich Pfeiffer, extraordinary vase with museum-quality relief lid

Franz Gottstein the Younger (1770–1840), attributed, or less likely Anton Heinrich Pfeiffer, extraordinary vase with museum-quality relief lid in perfect condition, masterfully ground with a wheel depicting a mythological scene from Homer's Odyssey. Ulysses appears before the sorceress Circe surrounded by sensual handmaidens. In the background, the anchored ship; Circe's father Aeolus, god of the winds, with the sack on his shoulders, and her mother, the nymph Perseis, sensually reclining, are visible. Putti and cherubs invite Ulysses to a banquet while others open a chest containing a treasure (perhaps symbolizing the riches and luxury of Circe's palace). This work, although unsigned, is clearly attributable to the artist and of superior quality to other rare signed works of his (see also one that we offer on our website); it is considered his most beautiful known and existing piece to have come down to us. Ground in Gutenbrunn (near Vienna), period from 1825 to 1830. Height 26.5 cm, width 10 cm. Circe lives on the island of Aeaea and is the daughter of Aeolus and the nymph Perseis, and sister of Aeetes (king of Colchis) and Pasiphae (wife of Minos), as well as the aunt of Medea. After visiting the land of the Laestrygonians, Ulysses, sailing up the Italian coast, arrives at the island of Aeaea. The island, covered in dense vegetation, seems uninhabited, and Ulysses sends part of his crew out on a reconnaissance mission, led by Eurylochus. In a valley, the men discover that outside a palace, from which a melodious voice rings out, there are ferocious animals. All the men, with the exception of Eurylochus, enter the palace and are well received by the mistress, who is none other than the sorceress Circe. The men are invited to partake in a banquet, but as soon as they taste the food, they are transformed into pigs (or it is said that the pigs gave birth to them), lions, and dogs, according to their character and nature. Immediately afterwards, Circe pushes them towards the stables and locks them up. Eurylochus quickly returns to the ship and tells Ulysses what has happened. The ruler of Ithaca decides to go to the sorceress to try to save his companions. Heading towards the palace, he meets the god Hermes, messenger of the gods, who reveals the secret to remaining immune to Circe's spells. If he mixes a magical herb called moly into what Circe offers him to drink, he will not undergo any transformation. Franz Gottstein the Younger (1770–1840) was a great glass grinder artist of German-Bohemian origin from the Sudetenland. Originally from Rokytnice nad Jizerou in northern Bohemia, he founded an important manufactory in Lower Austria, in Gutenbrunn, about 70 km west of Vienna, with imperial concession. He is considered one of the best sculptor-grinders of glass who ever lived. His original works that have come down to us are extremely rare and are mostly preserved in important museums (Vienna, Prague, New York). Only rarely does some work appear on the international art market. This vase, although unsigned but clearly from his hand, can be considered the most beautiful existing and published work for this artist, who loved to reproduce scenes from classical mythology and sensual female nudes. Provenance: prestigious Central European private collection. Literature: Pasaurek - Philippovitvich, Glaeser der Empire und Biedermeierzeit, p. 123; Paul von Lichtenberg, Glasgravuren des Biedermeier (pp. 207-217). In accordance with the provisions of the New Code of Cultural Heritage, the selling company provides, simultaneously with the sale, a detailed photographic written guarantee of the originality and provenance of the works sold. The data with which the works are described and then contained in the written guarantees are express determinations resulting from accurate and documented technical/historical/artistic investigations, even of expert appraisal. Work not present in our location, visible by appointment with ample notice / private negotiation