Emil Biedermann 1867 Austria Important Presentation Agate Cameo-Pendant In 19Kt Yellow Gold
A highly important rare Austrian pendant-brooch in 19 Karats by Emil Biedermann (1830-1900).
An exceptionally rare and gorgeous over sized presentation cameo piece, created in Vienna in 1867 by Emil Biedermann. The Biedermann jewelry house, was located in the number 13 of the popular aristocratic Graben street. They was granted in 1850, by the emperor Franz Joseph I (1830-1916), with the Austrian Imperial House Warrant, appointing the jewelry house as the purveyors to the court and "Kammerlieferant" (Chamber Jeweler).
The company was founded by Michael Lazar Biedermann (born 1769 as Michael Lazar in Bratislava) who at fifteen, was apprenticed to an engraver in Vienna. He became a seal-engraver and adopted the name Biedermann in 1792. He was entrusted, with the engraving of the imperial seals and by 1800 was enabled to open a Jeweler's store in Vienna.
In the last years of his company, Emil Biedermann was also purveyor to the royal Serbian court and to the grand ducal Saxon court.
This piece feature a fabulous three-dimensional cameo piece, carved from a three layered of natural agate, with color's gradations; from translucent orange brown, opalescent gray, to frosted white.
The quality of the carving is exceptional, with intricate thorough details. For example, the ear and the incised lines of the hair are magnificent. The carving depicts, the dressed portrait bust of the classical Greek-Roman goddess, Diana the huntress, facing to the right. Most probably the model used, was the ancient sculpture at the Albertina Museum.
Diana The Huntress, Albertina Museum, Vienna
The fabulous mounting frame is crafted in solid rich yellow gold of 19 karats, with geometric Austrian elements. It is suited at the reverse, with a hinged horizontal pin to be wear as a brooch and a flexible removable discrete adapter to be used into a chain.
This piece have a total weight of 72.9 grams and a measures of 77 mm by 80 mm by 28 mm (3.03 x 3.15 x 1.1 inches).
The agate piece is signed at the reverse by the carver-cutter artist (unknown) and numbered 361.
Is stamped with multiples Austrian hallmarks; twice with the mark for Vienna, the Austrian mark for the guaranty of the 19 kt gold, 3 times with the maker's maitre cartouche for EJB and engraved with the date 1867.
It is in impeccable and incredible condition, with virtually no traces of any wear, preserving all the original patina. Is accompanied by the original blue fitted jewelry box, with the name of, Emil Biedermann Jewelier Graben 13 Wien.
A very rare piece since in the past 23 years, only 3 pieces from Emil Biedermann has been offered in auctions and private sales and this in our opinion is the most magnificent.
References: Christies, London 14 June 2015, lot-142. Christies, Geneva 17 Nov 1998, lot-778 Dorotheum, Vienna June 20 2016, lot-242.
Provenance: Produced in 1867-1870, probably the house of Habsburg, a private collection in North Carolina, USA. acquired by private treaty.
A museum piece.
INVENTORY REF: P000RNNM/1.752
