Gutenbrunn, 1829, monogrammed and dated. Franz Gottstein the Younger. Extremely rare museum-quality "Ranftbecher" (a stemmed glass).

Franz Gottstein the Younger. An extremely rare museum-quality "Ranftbecher" (a particular form of chalice with a protruding base - a form also used by the great Viennese artist Anton Kothgasser), wheel-cut by the great Austrian/Bohemian artist. The work, in excellent condition, depicts with delicate elegance Diana and Actaeon from the myth of the metamorphosis by the Roman poet Ovid. The reflection of the figures miraculously obtained on the surface of the pond is admirable; the continuation of their legs can be seen through the crystalline water. On the other sides of the work are naturalistic motifs (the forest), and the young Actaeon walking with dogs who observes the bathing beauties; one of them (Diana) sees him, is ashamed and covers herself with her hands. Signed and dated in original. FR. GOTTSTEIN FEC. 1829. Height cm. 12, width cm. 9.6. Franz Gottstein the Younger (1770–1840) was a great glass-cutting artist of German-Bohemian origin from the Sudetenland. Originally from Rokytnice nad Jizerou in northern Bohemia, he founded an important factory in Lower Austria, in Gutenbrunn, about 70 km west of Vienna, with imperial concession. He is considered one of the best glass cutters who ever lived. His original signed works that have come down to us are extremely rare. In addition to the one we are offering, there are 3 others known. One is kept in a private collection, the other at the Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna (Published: Pasaurek - Philippovitvich, Glaeser der empire und Biedermeierzeit, p. 123). The third recently appeared on the international art market. Provenance: prestigious Central European private collection. Further literature: Paul von Lichtenberg, Glasgravuren des Biedermeier (pp. 207-217). Myth in Ovid's Metamorphoses: Diana and Actaeon. During a hunting trip, the young Actaeon accidentally came across the cave where Diana and her companions were bathing. As soon as she noticed his presence, the goddess, angered by the affront, splashed water on his face, transforming him into a deer, thus preventing him from going to tell what he had seen. The hunter, fleeing, came to a spring where, having mirrored himself in the water, he noticed his new appearance. Meanwhile, he was chased by his own dogs who, having captured him, tore him to pieces. In compliance with the provisions of the New Code of Cultural Heritage, the selling company provides, at the time of sale, a detailed written photographic guarantee of originality and provenance of the works sold. The data with which the works are described and then contained in the written guarantees are expressed determinations resulting from accurate and documented technical/historical/artistic investigations, even of expert importance. Work not present in our office, visible by appointment with adequate notice / private negotiation.