The front of this tabernacle opens to reveal a space for a pyx, relic or other sacred object. Comparable tabernacles can still be seen in situ in some 18th century churches and private chapels in Rome. The decoration is based upon the decorative vocabulary of the Baroque period with symmetrically arranged c-scrolls.
Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world's great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996.
Physical description
Wooden tabernacle with square base, completely covered by panels of stone with gilded bronze mounts; designed as a church facade with coupled pilasters on either side of the central doorway carrying a simple architrave that terminates in a curvilinear broken pediment.
Place of Origin
Rome, Italy (made)
Date
1st half 18th century (made)
Materials and Techniques
Agate, alabaster, jasper, lapis lazuli, gilded bronze, gilded copper
Dimensions
Height: 57 cm, Width: 34.7 cm, Depth: 29 cm
[plinth] Height: 49.8 cm, Width: 34.7 cm, Depth: 29 cm, Weight: 13800 g
Object history note
Provenance: Alberto di Castro, Rome.
Descriptive line
Tabernacle with square base, marble, gilt copper and gilt bronze, Rome, first half 18th century.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Gonzalez-Palacios, Alvar and Steffi Röttgen with essays by Steffi Röttgen, Claudia Przyborowski; essays and new catalogue material translated by Alla Theodora Hall. The Art of Mosaics: Selections from the Gilbert Collection. Los Angeles (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) 1982, 224 p., ill. Cat. no. 9, p. 95. ISBN 0875871097
Massinelli, Anna Maria with contributions by Jeanette Hanisee Gabriel. Hardstones: The Gilbert Collection. London: Philip Wilson Publishers Ltd. in association with The Gilbert Collection, 2000. 329 p., ill. Cat. no. 39, pp. 121-2. ISBN 0856675105.
Medlam, Sarah and Lesley Ellis Miller, eds. Princely Treasures. European Masterpieces 1600 - 1800 from the Victoria and Albert Museum. London: V&A Publishing, 2011. ISBN 9781851776337. Pp. 100-101.
Exhibition History
Princely Treasures: European Masterpieces 1600-1800 from the V&A (National Museum of Korea (Seoul) 02/05/2011-28/08/2011)
Materials
Gold; Wood; Bronze; Marble; Alabaster; Gilt bronze; Agate; Lapis lazuli; Hardstones; Gilt copper
Techniques
Carving; Gilding; Casting; Pietre dure
Subjects depicted
Foliage; Christianity; Religion (concept); Cherubim; C-scrolls; Composite order
Categories
Religion; Architectural fittings
Collection code
MET
