WROUGHT IRON GRILLE. SPAIN, 16TH CENTURY.

Rejería. Wrought iron, 16th century. Partial grating of squared bars torsos with molded splits 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 alternating with heraldic shields with fleurs-de-lys and with an upper cresting composed of two flowered pine cones at the outer ends and scrolls outlined with flowers, two of which flank a Latin cross decorated with diamonds on which there is a wavy cross with flowered finials. Typologically, it is a partial architectural fence with both ornamental and defensive purposes. Likewise, it clearly shows some of the striking decorative and typological variety common in the florid Gothic ironwork of the 15th century, but it also responds to common 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 frequent combination in the same rod of squared shapes and things, by the structure of three panels of very similar width and number of bars and central door with lintel, by decorative elements related to the Renaissance, the use of embossing, etc., characteristics that can be seen in the present example. The absence of interbody bands, common on bars from this period, only indicates that it was made to protect a small chapel. The presence of fleurs-de-lis indicates the expansion throughout the peninsula of Catalan models, which, coming directly from France, often showed this decorative element. The relationship between this grille and certain Gothic heritages is clear, especially if it were purchased with fully Renaissance examples such as that of the National Archaeological Museum from 1575 (inventory 57551). Normally, 16th century grilles are found, if they have been preserved, in the chapel for which they were made, in prominent 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 Santísimo of the Cathedral of Santa María la Real in Pamplona.

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