SILVER SHELL. GARCÍA REINA, MANUEL. TOLEDO, SPAIN, CIRCA 1730-1741

Baptismal shell. Silver in its colour. GARCÍA REINA, Manuel. Toledo, Spain, circa 1730-1751. With contrast marks, it is missing. A shell made of silver in its colour, with naturalistic details, and a top with a cartouche (on which there is an engraved element) and a simplified vegetal shape on one side (it is missing the symmetry to this). The contrasting marks are found in what would be the “ears” or “earlets”. A numerical mark can be seen on the outside. On the inside, hallmarks can be seen that identify the piece as having been made in the Spanish city of Toledo, when Diego Rodríguez de Lezama (or Lizana) was working as a hallmark, to whom the mark on the other ear belongs. The third mark, located under the location mark, identifies the piece as being made by Manuel García Reina, who was born around 1706 in Colmenar Viejo and trained in Madrid with Juan Löpez Sopuerta. He settled in Toledo around 1730, where he furthered his studies with Manuel Vargas Machuca, entering San Eloy in 1733. He was an approver in 1747 and 1755, and it is known that he had a shop since at least 1743 and is documented until 1772. Diego Rodríguez de Lizana or de Lezana was born in Bargas (Toledo) and trained with Juan de Jarauta, joining the Brotherhood of San Eloy de Toledo in 1699. He was an approver of the guild in 1715 and 1718, and worked as a contrast between around 1730 and his death in 1751 or 1754. His works are preserved in San Pedro Mártir, in the parish church of Miguelturra (Ciudad Real), in the cathedral of Lérida, etc. His work is preserved in Santo Domingo el Real, some cruets in the museum of Santa Cruz de Toledo, the parish of los Yébenes, etc. Weight: 98 grams.

· Size: 11x12x4 cms