A Sicilian, Trapani coral inlaid and gilt copper octagonal devotional plaque with Saint Francis, Late 17th century

A Sicilian, Trapani coral inlaid and gilt copper octagonal devotional plaque with Saint Francis,
Late 17th century

coral inlaid gilt copper, mounted in an enamel and gilt copper framing; the reverse engraved with Saint Francis surrounded by foliate scrolls
height 19⅓ in.; length 14⅐ in.; 49 cm; 36 cm
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Bénitier octogonal avec la Vision de Saint François en corail et cuivre doré partiellement émaillé,
Sicile, Trapani, fin XVIIe siècle

corail et cuivre doré partiellement émaillé ; le revers gravé avec Saint François au centre, entouré de volutes feuillagés
hauteur 19⅓ in.; largeur 14⅐ in.; 49 cm; 36 cm

Condition Report:
The devotional plaque is in good condition overall, with minor dirt in some places, in particular to the enamelling of the frame. There are some minor losses to the enamel consistent with age and the material. Some coral ornaments may have been replaced. Minor losses to the central carving, mainly to the extremities of the foliage. There is a repair to the saint's proper right hand and to the foliage on which Saint Francis is standing. Some elements of the frame appears to have reattached. Minor wear to the gilding in some places, especially behind the central figure.
The engraved foliate patterns and saint on the back of the relief are in excellent condition, with minor wear to the surface of the gilt-copper.

Catalogue Note:
The ancient fishing port of Trapani on the west coast of Sicily was renowned from the 16th to the 18th centuries for its production of objects made from local red coral. The guild of the coral workers, the Arte dei Corallari was established in Trapani in 1628 and after the suppression of the insurrection in 1672, the skilled coral workers were dispersed to other Mediterranean centres.

Coral was esteemed both for its colour and unusual texture, and it was believed (as was already the case in antiquity) to have the power to ward off the 'evil eye'. Since the 16th century, small coral trees were appreciated as rare ‘natural objects’, mounted on silver bases.

Most common were capezzale, devotional plaques with religious figures set in engraved copper frames with rich coral inlay and enamel decoration. Other works included liturgical items such as chalices and crucifixes, as well as secular objects like jewelry, inkstands, and small caskets, many of which made their way into the European Kunstkammern and Cabinets de Curiosité.

Provenance:
Collection Luigi Koelliker

Sotheby's London, the Luigi Koelliker Studiolo, 3 December 2008, lot 50

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Collection Koelliker

Sotheby's Londres, the Luigi Koelliker Studiolo, 3 décembre 2008, lot 50