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A Carved Miniature from the Workshop of Adam Dircksz

Published on , by Claire Papon
Auction on 19 March 2021 - 11:00 (CET) - Salle 1-7 - Hôtel Drouot - 75009

This tiny boxwood miniature, a specialty at the beginning of the 16th century, is the work of Adam Dircksz's workshop in the County of Holland. Intended for devotional use, these micro-sculptures set a trend aimed at the very wealthy.

Adam Dircksz (active c. 1500-1530), prayer bead containing a Nativity scene, carved... A Carved Miniature from the Workshop of Adam Dircksz

Adam Dircksz (active c. 1500-1530), prayer bead containing a Nativity scene, carved boxwood, silver metal flower-shaped mount and chain with ring, Latin inscriptions on the inner borders, diam. 3.5 cm/1.37 in (closed), 7.5 cm/2.95 in (open).
Estimate: €5,000/8,000

Delft was famous for its old canals with their shady quays, its blue and white earthenware, its brick houses (Johannes Vermeer was born in one), and its carved boxwood devotional objects. No records exist of the workshop of Adam Dircksz—a customary name designating a patron rather than the person who ran it. We only know that it specialized in rosaries, reliquaries, monstrances, and prayer beads (only one of which is signed), and was most probably established…
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