An imposing and ironic silver full-length figure of the fairy-tale character Puss in Boots, executed in 1883 by the master goldsmith Günther Grangessel, in the characteristic Hanau manner of high-quality sculptural silverwork. The cat is depicted as a court majordomo, greeting guests in a courteous half-bow. The movable head enhances the sense of animation and underscores the high level of craftsmanship.
The figure holds a staff as a symbol of authority and control, while the gesture of the other paw accentuates the elegant frock coat, lavishly adorned with coloured inserts imitating buttons and decorative elements on the cuffs, lapels, bows and tails. The contrast between the finely modelled fur and the smooth surfaces of the costume creates a striking play of materials. The ironic undertone is reinforced by details in the form of defeated rodents at the base, undermining the character’s ostentatious importance. The expression of the muzzle, with a slight astigmatic gaze and emphasised symmetry of the ears, lends the figure a grotesque, almost caricatural solemnity.
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SILVER Seller in Riga, Latvia
