Ivory Goblet

Balthasar Griessmann

about 1680

Ivory

J. Paul Getty Museum

An intricately carved ivory goblet features a relief of figures and putti around its body, with a stem adorned with grapevines and a base with reclining animals. A small putto stands atop the lid. Seemingly unaware of the activity all around him, a youth supine is the focus of gods; some tease and tempt him with pleasurable offerings, while others guide him toward prudence. Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, grasps his left hand urging him toward virtuous restraint. The god of wine, Bacchus, pours wine onto the young man to arouse his desires. Cupid, the tiny child-god of love, directs the youth's face toward his mother Venus who presses her right breast, emblematic of sybaritic pleasures. The entire surface of the vessel is carved and showcases the technical virtuosity of its maker, Balthasar Griessmann. This ivory specialist s