SILVER CUP. SPAIN, 18TH CENTURY.

Bernegal or scrapie with handles. Silver. Spain, 18th century. Avocado trembler in its color with a circular base, without base or foot, and a wider hemispherical body at the top, which has two handles on the sides. These have two Cs facing each other of different sizes (the largest on top) or in the shape of that, and a decoration based on silver pearls and a bird perched on the top (both of the piece facing towards the center). In Spanish silversmithing, Baroque trends were maintained during almost the first two thirds of the 18th century, except in the capital, where Rococo forms were already introduced without displacing the previous ones. It would not be until 1740 when French silversmiths introduced these innovations in Madrid, which would slowly spread to the rest of the centers (as a general rule), depending on areas and masters. This survival of the 17th century forms can be seen in the handles of the quake, a decorative abundance (compared to the rest of the catavino) that contrasts with the clean lines of the rest of the work but is common in this type of work. . The lack of contrast marks does not allow the work or the artist to be located, although this is precisely what speaks in favor of a secondary silversmithing center, where the absence of control of these works was more common due to the lack of teachers and means to Ensure compliance with marking regulations. It does show a fine engraving of initials on the front of the piece. Bernegales and tembladeras were the most common typologies in Spanish silversmithing in the 17th century (although in the 18th century they continued to be popular, especially in centers far from the main creative centers). In the case of this piece, it is the handles that could indicate American manufacture, although there are similar cases that are thought to have been made in the Iberian Peninsula. Compare it with works such as the tembladera by Antonio Sánchez dated between 1655 and 1689 from the Convent of Madres Clarisas de Villacastín, others preserved in the National Museum of Decorative Arts in Madrid, etc. Weight: 213 grams.

· Size: 18,5x15x8 cms.