The Gundestrup Cauldron (Art no.7) by sandra46
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Description
The famous late Iron Age vessel known as the Gundestrup Cauldron (diameter 69 cm, height 42 cm)is one of the great pagan silver masterpieces of La Tene metalwork, dating from the 1st or 2nd century BCE. La Tene was a style of Celtic art. Discovered in a bog in Denmark, its sides and circular base are decorated in relief with numerous mythological and ritual scenes, featuring figures of real and imaginary animals.
The vessel's decorative features along with its high quality craftsmanship makes it an outstanding work of Celtic art, but debate continues as to its origins. Some archeologists place its manufacture in the western European zone of Celtic culture, probably Gaul, while others believe that it originated on the Middle Danube in Thrace (modern day Bulgaria), which was inhabited by Celts who were especially skilled in silver-work. The artifact is currently on display at the National Museum of Denmark, in Copenhagen. The silverworking methods employed to make the cauldron are quite different from those used on other Celtic metalwork, but are consistent with techniques employed by Thracian master-craftsmen.
The decorations on the walls of the cauldron have been widely identified with Celtic deities and rituals. Some scholars propose manufacture by a Thracian craftsman, possibly commissioned by the Celtic Scordisci and fallen into the hands of the German Cimbri who invaded the Middle lower Danube in 120 BC. Others interpret the iconography as a prototype of the Irish myth of the Tain Bo Cuailnge, associating the horned figure with Cu Chulainn rather than with Cernunnos.
What I know is that this is a masterpiece made by unknown silversmiths which has influenced the history of Celtic art very much.
Thank you for your kind comments.
Comments (44)
mgtcs
What a splendid piece of art Sandra! Marvelous description and photo my friend, thank you for sharing!
Faemike55
Very beautiful piece of workmanship! the detail is wonderful Thanks for sharing this with us
MOSKETON
FASCINANTE OBRA DE ARTE.
claude19
S.P.L.E.N.D.I.D.!!! Great shot, close-up and wonderful explanations ! Thanks !
DananJaya_Chef
Wow! I like detail of piece, very beautiful & love the story. Very nice shot Sandra.
jayfar
Very beautiful work of art and well captured. Great info.
magnus073
What a wonderful capture Sandra, thank you so much for sharing this. No matter where it's origins, this is one fascinating work of art.
tennesseecowgirl
very beautiful.
jclP
interessant,well done
durleybeachbum
What a corker! Thankyou for all that background..it really adds to the pleasure.
lyron
Excellent image!!
mermaid
an excellent shot of this famous one, Sandra!
carlx
Wonderful capture and details!!!
jmb007
belle piece!!
flora-crassella
what a fantastic object!!!!! GREAT photo!!!!!!
DarkStormCrow
Excellent!
redchilicat
Fascinating history and an excellent photo!
drifterlee
Awesome relic and shot!!!!!!!!
KarmaSong
A cauldron I've read a lot about, but never actually saw. This is gorgeous !
jeroni
beautiful, love the colors and lighting excellent work
wysiwig
A stunning work well photographed. This cauldron was found disassembled in fourteen pieces suggesting it was thrown away or hidden, perhaps when Denmark became Christian. One arguement on it's origins I have not seen is the possibility it was created by Thracian silversmiths who were imported into Denmark. A fascinating piece and informative commentary.
bazza
Very beautiful piece of silverware Sandra and beautiful capture of it.. Great information on it also very interesting..
psyoshida
Incredibly detailed, your photo really shows off the very lovely and graceful creatures on the piece and the stunning craftsmanship. Wonderful. Thanks for the history.
Madbat
I've seen this before, but not from this angle, it's a masterpiece!
amota99517
What a marvelous piece of craftsmanship. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Chipka
This is superb on every level! The original piece of silverwork is stunning, your photograph of it endows it with a life of its own...and brings out the details marvelously! I love this kind of stuff: it's mysterious, it's beautiful, and it's a testament to what humans are pretty good at: that in itself is quite refreshing and a wonderful counterpoint to the fact that humans are also good at getting rid of other humans. Ah, but that's a part of the weirdness of humanity, that paradox...and this artifact (and your presentation of it) adds to that complexity by inspiring us to think about things, about history, and ultimately, ourselves. Marvelous! Great written info, especially since this particular artifact is something I've never seen.
renecyberdoc
very fine craftsmanship.
mariogiannecchini
Oggetto veramente fantastico , un vero capolavoro , a vedere dalla foto!E ancora una bella lezione sull'arte antica, fermo restando che l'arte vera non ha eta'ma e' semplicemente immortale.Ciao , Sandra , buona giornata! ( gia' caldo di mattinata )
Thetis
fantastic piece of art and superbly shot by you
Miska7
Really nice shot and information! Very well done.