Hand bell, Vicenza ca. 1690-1700.

Hand bell with moulded crown decorated with flying birds alternating with florid fleurs-de-lis in triangular panels. The body delineated by a cove above and scotia below, and decorated with figures of the Virgin and Child. The Virgin crowned with a halo standing on a crescent moon, supporting the Christ Child in the right arm and holding a sceptre in the left and flanked by fleurs-de-lis. St. John the Evangelist with arms crossed against the chest and flanked by fleurs-de-lis; St. Anthony Abbot with fore-shortened halo, holding a book in the proper left hand and a staff in the right, with a head of a pig to the left and a fire to the right, a separate fleur-de-lis at the left; the figures separated by arabesque containing genii or victory with outstretched arms holding wreaths. Around the sound bow, downward-facing elaborate fleurs-de-lis applied in extended triangular panels. Around the rim, in relief, a pointing hand, a cross, two fleurs-de-lis.

ca. 1690-1700 or possibly a later cast.

This hand bell relates to a group of hand bells of distinctive shape, apparently signed by different members of the De Maria family, bell-founders of Vicenza.

M.78-1929