# Cup with Gilded Manikin Handles [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [UNKNOWN GOLDSMITH, Italian]() - Date: 1501-1550 - Technique: Rock crystal, gold ornaments, 19 x 25 cm ## Commentary The cup originated from Milan, the gold ornaments were made in the Medici workshops in Florence. Of particular interest on this cup are the naval battle scenes carved into the bottom part; above, fruit garlands are running along the cup's rim. Because of the extreme hardness of the material, the techniques used to work rock crystal are the same as those used on gem- and hardstones, and require great skill. The pair of winged grotesque figures with bifrontal heads made of gold and enamel that serve as the handles reflect the Mannerist taste for extravagance and preciousness prevalent during the reign of Francesco I de' Medici in Florence. ## Related artworks - [Antique Purple Amethyst Vessel with Gold Stem and Heavy Lid]() - [Antique Sardonyx Vase with Lid and Mount in Gilt Silver]() - [Bernardo Buontalenti Presenting a Wood Model]() - [Book cover]() - [Box with painted ivory]() - [Chalice with Medici Arms]() - [Cross of Desiderius \(back\)]() - [Cross of Desiderius \(front\)]() - [Cross of Desiderius \(front\)]() - [Cross of Desiderius]() - [Cup]() - [Cup]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()