18th Century, Spanish Silver Roman Bireme Automaton Ship "Nef"

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18th Century, Spanish Silver Roman Bireme Automaton Ship "Nef"

About the Item

18th Century Spanish silver Roman Bireme Automaton Ship Nef Antique 18th century Spanish solid silver model of a ship, called a "Nef", beautifully modelled as an ancient Roman bireme,very detailed with movement. The two-masted galleon with pierced gallery and crew on board deck and a crows nests, the hull supported by a stand. Bireme is an ancient vessel and a type of galley that was used by the ancient maritime civilizations of the Mediterranean, especially the Phoenicians, ancient Greeks and Romans. The Bireme derives its name from its two rows of oars, manned with one man per oar. The early bireme was a development of the penteconter, an ancient warship with a single row of 25 oars on each side of Phoenician origin. The dominant warship in the Mediterranean during the 7th-4th centuries BC, after which it was largely superseded by the larger quadriremes and quinqueremes. The boat opens in half to reveal a container probably made to hold spices or salt for the table. These boats were placed in the center of the guest table starting in the 16th century. The movement of the blades is operated by a handle in the shape of a human head located at the rear of the boat. The support that simulates the water is shaped like waves and is a typical baroque style of the time. The entire boat is handmade in an artisanal and archaic way. There are later models made At the beginning of the 20th century, inspired by the one we present, but they implement less sophisticated manufacturing methods and with fewer details. The material used is solid gilded masive silver. It has no apparent marks.It is in very good condition despite its antiquity.Size:63x55x33 cm.

Creator:
Europa Antiques (Artist)
Dimensions:
Height: 24.81 in (63 cm)Width: 21.66 in (55 cm)Depth: 13 in (33 cm)
Style:
Baroque (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Silver,Hand-Crafted
Place of Origin:
Spain
Period:
18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
18th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Madrid, ES
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU5779232184292