Alms dish - Brass - 17th century - Grape carriers
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Selected by Dési van Rhee
Over 20 years' experience in antiques with a background in art history.
Estimate € 500 - € 650
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A large 17th-century brass alms or offertory bowl (Druivendragers) with a high-relief central scene of the Verspieders van Kanaän, diameter about 46.5 cm, in good antique condition with signs of age, patina and old repairs.
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Description from the seller
Large 17th-century brass alms dish – The Spies of Canaan / Grapes Bearers – Ø 46.5 cm
Very large and richly decorated brass alms or offering dish from the 17th century, with a diameter of about 46.5 cm.
Central to the piece is, in high relief, the Biblical scene of the Spies of Canaan, traditionally identified as Joshua and Caleb, who together bear an exceptionally large bunch of grapes on a carrying pole. The scene refers to Numbers 13, in which the grape cluster from the Valley of Eshkol stands for the fertility and abundance of the Promised Land.
Within Christian iconography, the grape also acquired Eucharistic meaning through the association of wine with the blood of Christ.
The scene is beautifully executed in blown, punched and engraved brass. The two figures wear characteristic historical clothing and are surrounded by stylized vegetation. The large grape cluster forms the focal point of the composition.
Notable is the very broad and richly worked rim, composed of two concentric bands with repeated almond-, leaf- and diamond-shaped relief motifs, finished with fine punch work and small round nipples. This gives the dish a particularly decorative and monumental character.
The reverse clearly shows the original manual metalworking. Behind the central grape cluster the individual blown grapes are visible. The punched edge ornamentation also shows on the reverse.
The dish shows a natural, age-old patina and signs of use. At the edge and on the reverse there are old repairs, solder traces, local deformations and wear. These are clearly shown in the photos and should be considered part of the condition.
Dating: 17th century
Provenance: Southern Netherlands / Flanders, possibly Mechelen
Material: brass
Technique: repoussé, punched and engraved
Diameter: ca. 46.5 cm
Subject: the Spies of Canaan / grape bearers
Type: alms dish / offering dish / ecclesiastical ware
Condition: good antique condition given the age, with signs of use, patina and old repairs as shown.
An imposing early brass dish with a beloved Biblical scene, attractive due to both its large size and the particularly richly worked rim decoration.
The photos are an integral part of the description.
Large 17th-century brass alms dish – The Spies of Canaan / Grapes Bearers – Ø 46.5 cm
Very large and richly decorated brass alms or offering dish from the 17th century, with a diameter of about 46.5 cm.
Central to the piece is, in high relief, the Biblical scene of the Spies of Canaan, traditionally identified as Joshua and Caleb, who together bear an exceptionally large bunch of grapes on a carrying pole. The scene refers to Numbers 13, in which the grape cluster from the Valley of Eshkol stands for the fertility and abundance of the Promised Land.
Within Christian iconography, the grape also acquired Eucharistic meaning through the association of wine with the blood of Christ.
The scene is beautifully executed in blown, punched and engraved brass. The two figures wear characteristic historical clothing and are surrounded by stylized vegetation. The large grape cluster forms the focal point of the composition.
Notable is the very broad and richly worked rim, composed of two concentric bands with repeated almond-, leaf- and diamond-shaped relief motifs, finished with fine punch work and small round nipples. This gives the dish a particularly decorative and monumental character.
The reverse clearly shows the original manual metalworking. Behind the central grape cluster the individual blown grapes are visible. The punched edge ornamentation also shows on the reverse.
The dish shows a natural, age-old patina and signs of use. At the edge and on the reverse there are old repairs, solder traces, local deformations and wear. These are clearly shown in the photos and should be considered part of the condition.
Dating: 17th century
Provenance: Southern Netherlands / Flanders, possibly Mechelen
Material: brass
Technique: repoussé, punched and engraved
Diameter: ca. 46.5 cm
Subject: the Spies of Canaan / grape bearers
Type: alms dish / offering dish / ecclesiastical ware
Condition: good antique condition given the age, with signs of use, patina and old repairs as shown.
An imposing early brass dish with a beloved Biblical scene, attractive due to both its large size and the particularly richly worked rim decoration.
The photos are an integral part of the description.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Over 200 years old
Yes
Title additional information
Grape carriers
Material
Brass
Country of origin
Germany
Height
0 cm
Width
46.5 cm
Depth
0 cm
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Estimated period
17th century
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