KOLLER VIEW 01/26

pre view. 02 13 1 High seas drama This characteristic seascape by Ivan Aivazovsky brings together symbolically charged details: the stranded shipwreck, the lifeboat exposed to the elements and the steep rocky coast. Waves and sky shimmer in countless shades of blue. The Romantic painter bathes the scene in dramatic light; its outcome remains un- certain. Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky (1817–1900). Shipwreck on a rocky coast. 1872. Oil on canvas. 46.5 × 72 cm. Estimate: CHF 180 000/250 000 2 Meissen opulence Joyful groups of harlequins, sensuali- ty concealed behind the sweetness of Rococo couples, intricately detailed chi- noiseries and elegantly formed Böttger stoneware – all held in the same family for several decades. Two traditional private Meissen collections offer a glimpse into the creative imagination of the early eight- eenth century. Early Meissen porcelain and Böttger stoneware from two Swiss private collections. 3 Luxurious and practi c al From the mid-18 th century onwards, a new type of furniture developed in the Mainz region known as ‘Cantourgen’ — a French-influenced f orm o f t he w ord ‘Kantörchen’ (from Kantor or comptoir). These three-part writing cabinets consist of a commode base, a writing compart - ment and an upper cabinet, for the stor - age and administration of documents. ‘Cantourgen’ writing cabinet. Rococo, Mainz, ca. 1760. Walnut and other woods, partially dyed. 120 × 75 × 213 cm. Estimate: CHF 25 000/35 000 4 The sign of the dolphin Torchères such as these illuminated cere- monial halls in Genoa during the 17 th and 18 th centuries. The dolphin motif likely de- rives from drawings by Filippo Parodi, and dolphin torchères were often executed by lesser-known or anonymous Genoese cabinet-makers. Our pair is crowned with crystal girandole finials. A pair of dolphin-form torchères. Barocchetto. Genoa, 17 th /18 th century. In the manner of Filippo Parodi (1630–1702). H 222 cm. Estimate: CHF 20 000/30 000 2 3 4