A salt cellar
Of octagonal section, the stepped reeded and partly smooth base divided by a protruding broad rim chased with…
Grotesque little monster
The body of a snail, the legs of an ostrich, a head that is birdlike yet human: the silversmith Arent van Bolten was fascinated by such bizarre monsters, as is evidenced by his numerous design drawings and prints. This statuette, which is a later, 18th century cast, may have once served as an incense burner or an oil lamp.
Very little is known about the Dutch artist Arent van Bolten. We do know he was born at Zwolle ca. 1573 and was actually a silversmith by profession. His artistic output ranged from grotesque figures and monsters, to figural scenes from the Bible and mythology.
