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)
jocko500
this one have a lot of history. happy it was not melted down
Hendesse
That's indeed a masterpiece. Excellent and very interesting shot!
0rest4wicked
Wow!, does not begin to express this object of worship. Incredible clarity and the lighting is just perfect!
MagikUnicorn
WOWWW UNIQUE
Richardphotos
these pieces of art you are bring to us are awesome
dochtersions
Really a treasure!
Buffalo1
Superb ancient metal work in silver. So much of Celtic life was lost in the Roman world.
danapommet
Fantastic capture and just wonderful narrative. Thank you for this share. Dana
lucindawind
fabulous piece and lovely shot
Marinette
...mi piace molto! :)
mickeyrony
Very interesting work on this pièce my Beatiful . I adore. Bravo and thanks mile ((5 + +)) Très intéressant le travail sur cette pièce ma Belle . J'adore . Bravo et mile mercis((5++))
jarmila
bellissima cattura ,ottimi dettagli e luce...una volta facevano le cose cosi belle e durature.. ciao,buon estate
anmes
Stunningly beautiful object and its history adds so much. Thanks, Sandra, one to see in Copenhagen..you've captured it so well to show interior and exterior detail.
5391151
wow