Embossed silver book cover. Castilian School. Circa 1590 - 1600.

Embossed silver book cover. Castilian School. Circa 1590 - 1600.
As indicated in the catalogue of the exhibition Plata Espanyola des del segle XV al XIX" (Spanish silver from the 15th to 19th centuries): “This is a plaque in a rectangular shape which depicts, in relief and flanked by drapery, a Madonna and Child, enthroned and crowned by two angels.
The base, which is rectangular, has geometric shapes framed by two pilasters decorated with stylised vegetable motifs in the central part; the plinth is decorated with similar geometrical themes and with a mirror in the centre.
There are no hallmarks, but the pronounced mannerist style allows us to date it to the late 16th century, certainly before the turn of the century. The symmetry of the composition of the base (throne, curtains, angels) is enhanced by the rhomboidal shape of the Madonna which, even so, has a studied "contrapposto" in her attitude. The typology of the Virgin Mary appears to come from Italian art and from within the mannerist canons, the grandiosity and lengthening of the shapes stand out, especially the right hand, which is allowed to fall artfully. The angels are also very much lengthened and the Child has a serpentine posture, which can still be a symptom of mannerism in the piece.”.
13,8 x 9,9 cm.
Exhibitions: "Plata Espanyola des del segle XV al XIX". Galería Daedalvs, Barcelona. 1979. Reproduce don page 26 of the catalogue.
Provenance: Private collection Barcelona, acquired at Galería Daedalvs gallery.