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18th Century Spanish Silver Holy Water Font, Baroque Style with Gilt Virgin Mary

About the Item

This highly decorative silver holy water font or stoup, is stamped with hallmarks placing its manufacture in Aspiazu, Bilbao, Spain during the late 18th century. The raised figure of the Virgin Mary at the center is silver gilt (or vermeil), in which silver is plated with a thin coating of gold. The surrounding designs, abstract, floral and garlands, were handcrafted using a technique known as “repoussé” when flat silver is shaped by hammering from the reverse side, creating a raised design to be viewed from the front. The small bowl at the bottom, meant for holding holy water, is also hand fashioned and decorated in repoussé. Included with the stoup is a red magenta velvet covered wooden plaque from which it hangs. Stoups are smaller versions of the large holy water fonts found at the door of all Catholic churches, and are traditionally hung by the door of a home for the purpose of crossing one's self when entering or leaving. They are also found in bedrooms for bedtime prayer and blessings. The piece is in good shape, though a bit tarnished. We like this patina of age, but the new owner could bring it to a brilliant finish with some silver polish if desired. There is an old solder repair across the top, seen on the back. This seam is not visible when viewed from the front. Overall weight of the silver is 337.5 grams.

Dimensions:
Height: 14.18 in (36 cm)Width: 9.45 in (24 cm)Depth: 2.96 in (7.5 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 2
Style:
Baroque (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Hardwood,Silver,Velvet,Gilt,Repoussé
Place of Origin:
Spain
Period:
Late 18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Unknown
Condition:
Repaired: There is an old solder repair across the top of the silver piece, visible from the back. When this was done, and by whom, is unknown. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages. The mounting plaque measures 46cm high x 33cm wide x 2cm deep.
Seller Location:
Madrid, ES
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU3306121569242

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