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Artworks
Trapani
Plaque with the Virgin Mary, First Half of the 17th CenturyGilt copper, enamel, corals47.5 x 34 cmFurther images
A luxurious example of what in the terminology of the time was known as a “cappezzale” or domestic shrine, the piece described here is surrounded by a broad openwork decoration, enriched with enamel and prolonged at the top to form a hook with cherubs’ wings. The octagonal frame with pod mouldings encloses a plaque divided into radial segments holding the figure of the Virgin Mary at the centre with cherubs. The back is engraved with perforations forming leaf motifs. The motif decorating each individual segment of the broad octagonal frame, with a flower on a patterned background, can also be found on other known pieces, like that displayed at the exhibition Coralli 1986, no. 50, which also shares with our piece its large size.A luxurious example of what in the terminology of the time was known as a “cappezzale” or domestic shrine, the piece described here is surrounded by a broad openwork decoration, enriched with enamel and prolonged at the top to form a hook with cherubs’ wings. The octagonal frame with pod mouldings encloses a plaque divided into radial segments holding the figure of the Virgin Mary at the centre with cherubs. The back is engraved with perforations forming leaf motifs.
The motif decorating each individual segment of the broad octagonal frame, with a flower on a patterned background, can also be found on other known pieces, like that displayed at the exhibition Coralli 1986, no. 50, which also shares with our piece its large size.
