Basin
ca. 1450 - 1500 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This is the cistern of a lavello or washing basin, made of Istrian stone. The front of the basin is divided into four parts and carved with lion's heads and human faces. Four brass taps project from the mouths of the heads on the front. The cistern is Italian (Venice) and dates from around 1450. The heads are generically related to the work of Antonio Bregno.
Cisterns of this type were a common feature in Italian palaces and convents and were used by the inhabitants for domestic pursposes such as washing. Basins of this type were often highly ornate sculptural structures.
Cisterns of this type were a common feature in Italian palaces and convents and were used by the inhabitants for domestic pursposes such as washing. Basins of this type were often highly ornate sculptural structures.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Istrian stone, brass |
| Brief description | Cistern of a lavello, Istrian stone, with lions heads, human faces, North Italy (Venice), second half of the fifteenth century |
| Physical description | Cistern of a 'Lavello' or washing fountain. Istrian stone. The front of the basin is divided into four recessed panels containing a lions head, a male head, a lion's head, and the head of a man wearing a stiff pleasted cap. Above, beneath the lip of the basin, runs a spiral border. The sides are carved with two male heads in profile. Four brass taps project from the mouths of the heads on the front. The upper edge of the rim is pierced with three holes at the back. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Purchased in Venice through Mr. J. C. Robinson (vendor not recorded), in 1882. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This is the cistern of a lavello or washing basin, made of Istrian stone. The front of the basin is divided into four parts and carved with lion's heads and human faces. Four brass taps project from the mouths of the heads on the front. The cistern is Italian (Venice) and dates from around 1450. The heads are generically related to the work of Antonio Bregno. Cisterns of this type were a common feature in Italian palaces and convents and were used by the inhabitants for domestic pursposes such as washing. Basins of this type were often highly ornate sculptural structures. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 67-1882 |
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| Record created | July 16, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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