Viennese Enameled Silver Rock Crystal Charger

This monumental Viennese rock crystal charger is attributed to the Austrian master craftsman Hermann Ratzersdorfer and reveals the famed artisan's gifts as a silversmith, enamelist, jeweler and sculptor in its stunning silver gilt frame. Vibrant enamel figural motifs and semi-precious stones adorn the elaborately formed frame, which is beautifully sculpted with putti and scrolling decoration. Set within the silver frame are panels of radiant rock crystal, each engraved to perfection with a motif of foliage and scrolls. The overall effect is luxurious opulence that evokes the grandeur of the Renaissance age. Ratzersdorfer was renowned for his silver, enamel and rock crystal objects executed in the then-popular neo-Renaissance style. He was one of the very few artisans in Vienna who earned the rank of master craftsman, and he was the only one to resurrect the art of cutting and polishing rock crystal to such absolute perfection. He exhibited regularly in Vienna, London and Paris, winnin