Ewer
1580-1599 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Few examples of Spanish domestic silver have survived from the great wealth of material recorded in archives and still-life paintings. This ewer and its basin (M.380A-1956) belong to a rare set and may have avoided being melted down by its possible use in a church for baptisms, or in ceremonies in which the priest washes his hands. The decoration of interlaced bands (called strapwork ornament) on the rim of the basin was very popular on Spanish silver until about 1640. In contrast to the ewer's restrained decoration, its elongated spout and the grotesque mask beneath the spout are typical of the exaggerated, fantastical Mannerist style of the late 16th century.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver, parcel-gilt |
| Brief description | Spain. Late 16th century; Silver, Continental |
| Physical description | Base cast with concentric rings. Body is raised. Horizontal gilt band round body and shoulder. Both chased and engraved with strap work. Elongated spout with grotesque mask on body. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions |
|
| Gallery label | Silver Gallery:
Few examples of Spanish domestic silver have survived from the great wealth of material recorded in archives and still-life paintings. The ewer and basin belongs to a rare set and may have avoided being melted down by its possible use in a church for baptisms, or in ceremonies in which the priest washes his hands. The decoration of interlaced bands (called strapwork ornament) on the rim of the basin was very popular on Spanish silver until about 1640. In contrast to the ewer's restrained decoration, its elongated spout and the grotesque mask beneath the spout are typical of the exaggerated, fantastical Mannerist style of the late 16th century.(26/11/2002) |
| Credit line | Dr W.L. Hildburgh Bequest |
| Object history | Acquisition RF: 55/4478A Dr W.L. Hildburgh FSA Bequest The strapwork on the rim of the basin draws on Renaissance ornament, but the grotesque cast forming the ewer's handle and its elongated proportions are evidence of the arrival of Mannerism. |
| Summary | Few examples of Spanish domestic silver have survived from the great wealth of material recorded in archives and still-life paintings. This ewer and its basin (M.380A-1956) belong to a rare set and may have avoided being melted down by its possible use in a church for baptisms, or in ceremonies in which the priest washes his hands. The decoration of interlaced bands (called strapwork ornament) on the rim of the basin was very popular on Spanish silver until about 1640. In contrast to the ewer's restrained decoration, its elongated spout and the grotesque mask beneath the spout are typical of the exaggerated, fantastical Mannerist style of the late 16th century. |
| Bibliographic reference | The Golden Age of Hispanic Silver 1400-1665, Charles Oman, Pg.129, pl.144, HMSO, 1968 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.380-1956 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | February 9, 2004 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
