SILVER PAX. 16TH CENTURY.
Antiques -
Reference: ZF0664
Peace-bearer. Silver in its colour and gilded. 16th century. A silver peace-bearer with a handle (decorated with delicate plant motifs similar to those on the pillars) and a female and male bust at the bottom, as well as other architectural elements on the back. On the front, there is a classicist architectural composition with a base (with busts flanking a flower and a cross), two pillars (plant decoration and a capital reminiscent of the Composite order) with an entablature (flowers flanking an angel's head; mouldings), and a semicircular arch top with raised elements in relief under a cross and flanked by two architectural motifs at the top. This composition frames and enhances a gilt silver relief where one can see the Lamentation or Lamentation over the Body of Christ, with the Virgin holding the head of Jesus, Saint John at her side, Mary Magdalene and other figures, a cross following the group and a landscape background with houses and plant elements. This architectural structure mentioned is similar to that present in other 16th century pavilions, such as that of the parish church of La Magdalena in Dos Hermanas (Hernando de Ballesteros el Mozo, around 1575); or that of the parish church of La Galaroza (same author and date); or that of the pavilion of San Miguel in 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; Alcalá de Henares Cathedral Museum), as well as in paintings and reliefs. It is also worth highlighting both the male and female busts in the lower area and the Maltese cross (or of Saint John) that appears in this area. This symbol was used from 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 since Emperor Charles V gave them this island as a fief in the 16th century. Weight: 507 gr.
· Size: 10,5 x 4 x 21 cms
16.000 €
