Lidded Goblet
by FONTANA, Annibale, Rock crystal, enamelled gold setting
The decoration of this elegant rock crystal goblet is focused entirely on the engravings, which are cut into the polished surface. The many-figures scenes of the cupola illustrate the story of Proserpina and the myth of the origin of seasons. In the principal axis on the lid above it sit the personifications of the four seasons in their characteristic landscape surroundings.
The unusually masterful carving of the scenes is linked to the person of Annibale Fontana who initially worked as a medallist and stonecutter and later as an accredited sculptor in Milan. He was related to the Saracchi brothers with whom he must have worked very closely. Among the various works in rock crystal that may be attributed to him, this goblet holds a special place in that it is the first example of his work in this field.