This site uses cookies. Some of these cookies are essential to the operation of the site, while others help to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used. For more information, please see the ProZ.com privacy policy.
Cookie settings
  1. KudoZ™ Top
  2. German to English
  3. Art, Arts & Crafts, Painting

Mörser

English translation: mortar

10:59 Sep 11, 2008
German to English translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Art, Arts & Crafts, Painting
German term or phrase: Mörser
From an auction catalogue. I know still-lifes can feature a random collection of things, but are there really mortars placed amongst these objects, appearing as a title of a painting (no picture, no further info)? - I think not but cannot find any other translation for Mörser:
"Trompe l'oeil mit zwei Lampen, Mörser, Mausefalle, Kupferkessel, Brot, Käse, einem getrockneten Fisch und Eiern in einem Korb in einer Fensterniche mit einem zerbrochenen Glas, dahinter eine Katze"
Am I being thick or is it the tiredness? Please someone help me out.
Helen Shiner
United Kingdom
Local time: 23:04
English translation:mortar
Explanation:
Warum nicht? Zu den Küchenvorräten würde es doch passen...

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 22 Min. (2008-09-11 11:21:44 GMT) Post-grading
--------------------------------------------------

:-)
Selected response from:

Barbara Wiebking
Germany
Local time: 00:04
Grading comment
I'll close this now since it is so blindingly obvious! Thanks, kriddl!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
3 +5mortar
Barbara Wiebking
Summary of reference entries provided
GeorginaW (X)

  

Answers


9 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +5
mortar


Explanation:
Warum nicht? Zu den Küchenvorräten würde es doch passen...

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 22 Min. (2008-09-11 11:21:44 GMT) Post-grading
--------------------------------------------------

:-)


    Reference: http://cgi.ebay.fr/3-Servietten-Obst-STILLEBEN-PAW-Krug-Moer...
Barbara Wiebking
Germany
Local time: 00:04
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman
PRO pts in category: 4
Grading comment
I'll close this now since it is so blindingly obvious! Thanks, kriddl!
Notes to answerer
Asker: Ok, mortar as in mortar and pestle; I was thinking 'bomb' which just shows how addled my brain has become!

Asker: @ Ken - weaponry is certainly not my field - I defer to you in my ignorance.


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Ingeborg Gowans (X): well, by the description of this exhibit, I wouldn't be surprised it is as simple as that
4 mins
agree  Ken Cox: a mortar is anyway not a bomb -- it is a short tube (or smooth-barrel gun) used to fire a relatively small-calibre shell
9 mins
agree  Lonnie Legg: Sure, I've seen kitchen mortars in various still lifes, sometimes with spices strewn around them.
19 mins
agree  franglish
1 hr
agree  hazmatgerman (X): @Cox: just as titbit: some military mortars (i.e. not fireworks) were of substantial calibre. Regards.
19 hrs
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)




Reference comments


2 hrs
Reference

Reference information:
I know it's too late, but wanted to know why a mortar would be depicted: in iconography a pestle and mortar symbolise copulation!


    Reference: http://www.studio-international.co.uk/books/interpreting_vel...
GeorginaW (X)
Germany
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 4
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs (or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.

Return to KudoZ list

KudoZ™ translation help

The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.

See also:
ProZ.com term search
Search millions of term translations
Close search
Term search
  • All of ProZ.com
  • Term search
  • Jobs
  • Forums
  • Multiple search