Chimera
Of the three rock crystal pieces in this display case, the chimera has belonged to the collection for the longest, as it was acquired by Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza before 1938. It is composed of various parts and adorned with several mounts, notably a 16th century piece joining the tail to the body and a garnet-studded 17th century piece on the chest. Magnificent objects in the form of chimeras – fantastical animals with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a dragon – and other whimsical creatures were produced by the workshops of Milan, which enjoyed a heyday in the second half of the 1500s and early 1600s. The creations of Milanese artists were considered exquisite and highly luxurious items in their day and were displayed in pride of place in cabinets of curiosities and collections of emperors, kings, and princes.