Writing notebook in engraved, openwork silver,... Lot 29

Writing notebook in engraved, openwork silver, partly gilded, decorated inside with miniatures and enclosing a sundial and a compass. Binding with rich ornamentation with symmetrical arrangement starting from a vase of scrolls, flowers, masculine and feminine terms on each side, snails, squirrels and flowers in the spandrels. The back is decorated with feminine masks and cherub heads, C-shaped clasp with lock. Interior: engraved representation of the Virgin and Child with Saint Anne in a medallion surrounded by floral scrolls, inscription MAR IHS ANA. Sundial and compass, portrait of a prelate of the papal household accompanied by his coat of arms Gules with a gold chevron accompanied by three stars of the same. Finally a small painting depicting Saint James Matamore, leaflet bearing the inscription Marie Anna Rosa de Caron 25 150. Netherlands, Antwerp?, circa 1600 Length: 9.5 cm – Width: 6 cm – Thickness: 1.5 cm – Gross weight: 149 grams. This very beautiful silver notebook was probably intended as a gift for someone in the Pope's entourage. Other examples are known of this type of Antwerp goldwork made at the turn of the 1600s, notably at the Rijksmuseum or in private collections (see J. van Damme, Zilver uit gouden eeuw van Antwerpen, 1988-1989, cat. 98 and 99. (Missing including the key.) Expert: Cabinet Fligny Paris.