Hunting horn thumbnail 1
Hunting horn thumbnail 2
+1
images
Not currently on display at the V&A

Hunting horn

Hunting Horn
1714 (Made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This hunting horn seems to have been made in the year of George I's accession to the British throne in 1714. The form of the inscription ('Georg I 1714 DJEU MON DROIT), his name spelt as it would be in Germany, implies this piece was produced in Germany, perhaps in Hannover, where Georg was Elector. The style and subject of the piece confirms its origin and date. Germany had a strong tradition of ivory carving in the 17th and 18th centuries. The horn probably never functioned as a hunting horn, but was always a luxury object, admired for its dexterous carving. Although inscribed with the name of the monarch, it may not have had a direct royal connection, but have been made for an aristocratic collector.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleHunting horn (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Carved ivory.
Brief description
Carved ivory hunting horn. Probably German; 1714.
Physical description
A carved ivory hunting horn made in six pieces. The mouthpiece is carved as a wild boar; hunting scenes are carved in relief n the body of the horn.
Dimensions
  • Height: 56cm
  • Width: 7.4cm
  • Depth: 7.6cm
Marks and inscriptions
Georg I 1714 DJEU MON DROIT
Translation
George I 1714. God [is] my right.
Credit line
Private Collection
Object history
This object is on long-term loan from a private collection.
Association
Summary
This hunting horn seems to have been made in the year of George I's accession to the British throne in 1714. The form of the inscription ('Georg I 1714 DJEU MON DROIT), his name spelt as it would be in Germany, implies this piece was produced in Germany, perhaps in Hannover, where Georg was Elector. The style and subject of the piece confirms its origin and date. Germany had a strong tradition of ivory carving in the 17th and 18th centuries. The horn probably never functioned as a hunting horn, but was always a luxury object, admired for its dexterous carving. Although inscribed with the name of the monarch, it may not have had a direct royal connection, but have been made for an aristocratic collector.
Collection
Accession number
LOAN:JOHN LEWIS.17-2014

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdOctober 24, 2014
Record URL
Download as: JSON