Velvet Covered Chest, Spain, 16th Century

Portapaz. Silver in its color and gilded. Century XVI. Portapaz made of silver that has a handle (decorated with delicate plant motifs similar to those of the pilasters) and a female and a male bust at the bottom, as well as other architectural elements on the back, and, on the front, an architectural composition classicist basement (with busts flanking a flower and a cross), two pilasters (vegetal decoration and capital recalling the composite order) with entablature (flowers flanking an angel's head; moldings), and a semicircular arch finish with elements veined in relief under cross and flanked by two architectural motifs in the upper part. This composition frames and enhances a gilt silver relief where you can see the Lament or Cry over the Body of Christ, with the Virgin holding the head of Jesus, Saint John at her side, the Magdalene and other characters, a cross following the group and a landscape background with houses and plant elements. This architectural structure mentioned is similar to the one present in other 16th century portapaces, such as that of the Magdalena de Dos Hermanas parish (Hernando de Ballesteros el Mozo, around 1575); or that of the Galaroza parish (same author and date); or that of the portapaz of San Miguel de Jerez de los Caballeros (in some details); etc. As for the relief, it is possible to clearly see a strong Italian influence, and the similarity between it and important pieces such as the Portapaz known as “de Cisneros by Juan de Burgos (1493-1497; MuseoCatedralicio de Alcalá de Henares), as well as in paintings and reliefs. Also noteworthy are both the male and female busts in the lower area and the Maltese cross (or Saint John's) that appears in this area. This symbol was used since the 12th century as an insignia by the Knights Hospitallers of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, also known as the Order of Malta...

Typologically, it is a partial architectural grating with an ornamental and defensive purpose at the same time. Likewise, it clearly shows some of the striking decorative and typolog...

Also known as "catavinos", this type of drinking cups were used on special occasions (ceremonies ...), hence their material and the decoration they have, and were very common during the reign of the Habsburgs in Spain. Although they were objects of civil use, it was not strange that they were donated or ordered for their use in churches or in liturgical areas. Both the decoration and the shape of the cup show the origin of the same artistic core away from the main silversmith centers. Compare, for example, with the "bernegal" with handles in the form of cartons from the Museo del Prado in Madrid (catalog O00085) made in the late 16th century, which presents the upper part carved in concave double gallons and shows vegetable prints...

Catavinos or scrapie. Silver in its color. Spain, 16th Century. With contrast marks, illegible. Cup without foot or handles, in silver in its color and with a circular base, flar...

The relief of folded cloths was common in the Gothic furniture, coming from Flanders in the 15th century and used in Spain in a common way well into the 16th century, although 17th c...

Male head. Carved stone. Century XVI. Carved stone relief showing a male face turned to the right. It is necessary to highlight both the quality of the fac...

Provenance : Jean Gismondi collection, before 1973. This important walnut jewelry chest is outlined with a gilt motif and presents a decor imitating basketry. The lid is topped by...

Spanish Renaissance casket, 16th century In carved, polychrome and gilded wood decorated with a vase with horns of plenty, heads of cherubs and fruits. In the lock a shield with two ...

An Early & Rare French Red Lacquered
Leather Bound Wood & Iron Small Chest

Height 15 in. Depth 9 in. Width 13 in. ...

Bronze and gilded copper box, Central Europe, 16th century Dimensions: 13 x 17.2 x 12.2 cm Resting on the ground by means of four spherical feet in...

Rare 16th century Nuremberg box In iron, measurements: 13 x 18 x 12 cm Good condition.

RARE CENTER CHAPEL COUNTER 16th Century Lusíada - Portuguese in teak, Partial sissoo coating with ivory inlays, with 9 drawers simulating 10. Micromosaic in different materials, bac...