PLATTER. SILVER. SPAIN, ZARAGOZA, CIRCA 1700.

Source. Silver in its colour. Zaragoza, Spain, circa 1700. With hallmarks and engraving marks. A circular silver-coloured dish or platter with a raised edge and decorated with a composition of plant elements and shields or flat mirrors between two lines of smooth mouldings. The seat, raised on two levels, has another plant decoration, with a smooth, domed centre. A completely smooth field has been arranged around the seat. The marks on the back are located on the piece. One is engraved on the seat, towards the centre of the piece. The other is on the edge or border, together with the only contrasting mark that has been found. This one has been linked to Zaragoza, placing the piece in this city. Compare this piece, noting its differences, with the Tudela fountain from the second quarter of the 17th century made by Noval, which is preserved in the Lázaro Galdiano Foundation museum in Madrid (Spain). Or the enamelled fountain in the National Archaeological Museum made by Rodrigo de Arenillas or Abaunza in Burgos. It is known that until the ordinances of 1742 it was not obligatory for the silversmith's mark to appear on pieces made by him in Zaragoza. After this date, pieces that only had the mark of the town continued to be abundant. At the end of the 17th century, chiseled work became very rare, with a bulky embossing with leaf motifs being the usual. Towards 1720 the decoration became thicker and more exuberant, and towards 1725, with the same ornamental motifs, the decorative sense changed (contrasts were sought between profusely decorated areas and others that were completely smooth and polished). The earliest example of Rococo silverwork in Zaragoza has been dated to 1742 (image of Saint Barbara from the Church of San Pablo). Weight: 2.4 kg.

· Size: 55,5x55,5x 4 cms.