WROUGHT IRON GRILLE. SPAIN, 16TH CENTURY.

Grille . Wrought iron, 16th century. Partial grillwork of squared bars torsos with molded divisions without base and bolt on the right with a plate topped by simplified plant elements, topped by a frieze of canvases decorated on the front with plant scrolls alternated with heraldic shields with fleurs-de-lys and with upper crests composed of two flowery pineapples at the outer ends and scrollwork schematized with flowers, two of which flank a fleur-de-lis Latin cross with diamonds on which there is a wavy cross with flowery finials. Typologically, it is a partial architectural fence with an ornamental and defensive purpose at the same time. Likewise, it clearly shows something of the striking decorative and typological variety usual in the florid Gothic ironwork of the 15th century, but it also responds to habitual evolutions in the 16th century. A first stage of evolution to the Renaissance is introduced, sometimes passing, until the first third of this century, and is characterized, among other things, by the variety of barrotage with a frequent combination in the same rod of square shapes and things, by the structure of three panels of very similar width and number of bars and a central door with a lintel, due to decorative elements related to the Renaissance, the use of embossing, etc., characteristics that can be seen in this example. The absence of intercorporal strips, common in bars from this period, only indicates that it was made to protect a small chapel. The presence of fleurs-de-lys indicates the expansion throughout the peninsula of Catalan models, which, coming directly from France, often showed this decorative element. The relationship between this grate and certain Gothic heritages is clear, especially if compared with completely Renaissance examples such as the one in the National Archaeological Museum from 1575 (inventory 57551). Normally, the ironwork from the 16th century can be found, if it has been preserved, in the chapel for which it was made, in outstanding private collections or in important museums. Compare this work with the grille at the head of the Church of San Julián de Nagore (Navarra) or that of the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament of the Cathedral of Santa María la Real in Pamplona.

· Size: hojas 69 x 268 Copete 390 x 110 cms.