Silver & semi-precious stones
Probably Hanau late 19th Century
41 in. (104 cm.) long; 21 ½ in. (54.5 cm.) high
The carriage drawn by four prancing horses, the sides of the carriage pierced with troops of playful monkeys, the raised back of the carriage chased with foliage around a monkey atop a cartouche with raised inscription 'L'imperadore del giornoe disegnato ed eseguito e da lugagnola da Iesui erialto veneria MVXCIIII', the carriage itself containing five figures, their 16th century costumes set with turquoise, pearls and paste, one figure seated on a throne holding a whip, and to his right, a man beating another who tries to protect his bowed head, whilst to his left, a man steps on top of a barrel as he prepares to leap from the edge while supported by a further man holding a bottle, the carriage with a projecting seat at front supported by two elaborate foliate scrolls terminating in griffin heads upon which is seated a driver in plumed hat, the whole on a red velvet-covered wooden base mounted with profuse floral decoration and borders chased alternately with fleur de lys and pierced ovolos.