Drinking Horn
Germany, early 15th century
Provenance
Sale Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, 1–3 November 1973, lot 34A.
Study
The horn is set in a gilded copper mount with engraved foliage motifs on its collar. One gilded strip is missing from the reverse, as is the base, which could have taken the form of bird’s feet.1
In reference to these traditional bird’s foot-shaped base, this type of drinking horn was called “Greifenklaue” or “griffin claws”. This name is also a reference to the legend of Saint Cornelius, whose attribute since the 14th century has been a drinking horn. According to the legend, the saint cured a griffin of vertigo and, in gratitude, the beast gifted him one of its claws. Saint Cornelius, protector of horned animals, was also invoked in cases of epilepsy. A superstitious belief was that drinking horns could cure certain illnesses. These sumptuous vessels were used in welcoming ceremonies where, according to ancient Germanic traditions, the offering of beverages was reminiscent of the ancient pagan libations in honour of the gods and of the dead.
