Prékopa Ágnes (szerk.): Ars Decorativa 31. (Budapest, 2017)

Veronika SZILÁGYI: Rebirth of the Gundel Centrepiece: Methodological Experiments in the Restoration of Enamelled Metalwork

height of the temple is 60 centimetres, and the object weighs 30 kg. It is difficult to describe its artistic refinements. The statuette that constitutes the main figure of the artwork is made from ivory and fine enamel, the Wings of Mercury and the ornaments on her head and neck are covered with diamonds, while her dress is adorned with pearls. The delicate profile of the figure is reminiscent of the features of the honouree’s wife. Five crystal columns support the dome, which is crowned with emeralds of the size of a dove’s egg; bright pink light filters through the dome’s translucent enamelling, enlivening the noble features of the central figure. The five shells are filled with cloi- sonné enamel in the colour of lapis lazuli and decorated with silver incrustations; the

large frame surrounding them is decorated with old-style Hungarian brooches, precious stones and pearls. Despite the almost Byzantinesque ornateness of the work, it reflects, in every way, the delicately understated discernment of Bachruch, and has resulted in yet another masterpiece from the Hungarian goldsmith ’s industry. ”

Although the columned structure and the ivory figure have since been lost, a glass plate negative6 in the Archive of the Museum of Applied Arts depicts the centrepiece in its original condition. (Fig. 2) In her right hand, the allegorical female figure held a balance, while in her left was a tablet bearing the inscription “Labor improbus omnia vincit” (“Hard work conquers all”). In place of the figure, the centrepiece today

2. The original condition of the Gundel Centrepiece, Museum of Applied Arts Archive,

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