Trapani
Expertise by Roberto Valeriani
Radial motifs in silver punctuate the central octagon, whose focal point is the image of the Virgin surrounded by cherubs. A dense pattern of coral pieces carved to form leaf motifs covers the segments of the octagon and the outer edge, embellished with silver flowers; those around the edge contain relics. At the bottom is the small basin in the shape of a shell.
This type of decoration, with the lavish use of applications in silver foil, that act almost as clasps to hold the surfaces, is usually dated to the second half of the 17th century, like the technique of sewing pieces of coral onto metal foil (Coralli 1986, nos 114, 143, 144). The overall effect, exuberant and voluminous, is typical of the mature Baroque and finds parallels in a plaque that has been illustrated on several occasions (Daneu 1964, no.137, plate XXXVI) usually dated to the early 18th century.
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