PERUVIAN, CUZCO SCHOOL, 18TH CENTURY

Baptismal Dish

Silver, cast, repoussé, chased, pierced, and engraved
11 ¼ x 16 ¾ x 21 ½ inches (28.6 x 42.5 x 54.6 cm) 

Provenance:   

Manuel Ortíz de Zevallos y García, Peru; and by descent in the family to:

Private Collection, New York.

This impressive baptismal dish is an example of eighteenth-century silverwork from the viceregal Peru. From its roots as a synthesis of Spanish tastes and practices with those of indigenous peoples, the art of silversmithing in the Americas developed into a rich tradition that responded to the unique desires and needs of colonial society. Already in the mid-sixteenth century, there was great demand for silver objects both in Spain and in Latin America, due in no small part to the large amounts of base silver being mined and refined there. This demand remained constant through the eighteenth century, the last flowering of the colonial silversmithing tradition, which melted away with the political changes and the independence movements of the early nineteenth century. This baptismal dish dates from this final period of viceregal silverwork, and its form and style correspond with similar works produced at this time in Peru.  

The most striking feature of this baptismal font is its imitation of a scallop shell. The scallop shell was a common symbol in the Christian tradition from the medieval period on, probably originating with the shells worn by pilgrims on their return from shrine of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. These shells also came to be associated with the notion of rebirth by water, and thus, the sacrament of baptism. The scallop shell was a recurring motif in Peruvian silverwork of the eighteenth century, and several types of objects were modeled on its shape, including holy-water fonts, basins, shells for pouring water during baptism, and baptismal dishes like this one. 

This silver shell is adorned with concave gadroons, or grooves, and its curved base is decorated with foliage, scrolls, and flowers. The undulating/scalloped rim of the basin contains a raised, C-shaped decoration that is repeated inside the shell along the base of the gadroons. The underside of the shell reveals signs of the techniques used in its creation, as well as one of the most fantastic aspects of the work: the three spiraled conch shells that serve as the feet of the dish. The dish’s elaborate backsplash features shell and feather motifs. 

Silver was the material of choice for both ecclesiastical and domestic vessels in the New World, not only for its status as a precious metal, but also because of its abundance and durability. Baptismal dishes in the shape of scallops were common in Peru, a clear indication of their popularity and desirability. They were intended for ecclesiastical use as baptismal fonts, as well as for domestic use as decorative pieces placed on top of furniture. In the latter case, these dishes fall into the category of religio-domestic works—objects intended for the home that refer to religious activity. The scale and the secular coat of arms on this dish indicates that it was likely originally destined for a domestic setting.

This baptismal dish formerly belonged to Manuel Ortíz de Zevallos y García (1809–1882), a lawyer and politician in Peru, and descended among American members of his family.