Fountain. Silver in its color. Zaragoza, Spain, circa 1700. With contrast and engraving marks. A circular silver platter or dish, in its own color, with a raised rim decorated with a composition of plant elements and shields or flat mirrors between two lines of plain moldings. The seat, raised on two levels, features another plant decoration, with a smooth, domed center. A completely plain field surrounds the seat. The back contains the markings on the piece. One is an engraved one on the seat, toward the center. The other is on the edge or rim, along with the only contrasting one found. This one has been linked to Zaragoza, placing the piece in that city. Compare this piece, noting its differences, with the Tudela fountain from the second quarter of the 17th century, made by Noval and housed in the Lázaro Galdiano Foundation Museum in Madrid (Spain). Or the enameled 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 mandatory for the silversmith's mark to appear on the pieces he made in Zaragoza. After this date, pieces with only the town mark continued to be abundant. At the end of the 17th century, chiseled work became very rare, with embossed work with leaf motifs being the norm. Around 1720, the decoration became thicker and more exuberant, and around 1725, with the same ornamental motifs, the decorative style varied (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 (the statue of Saint Barbara in the Church of Saint Paul). Weight: 2.4 kg.
· Size: 55,5x55,5x 4 cms.
ANTIQUES
Ref.: ZF1304
