Decorative ornament - Santander - Spain - Coat of Arms

03
days
02
hours
59
minutes
16
seconds
Current bid
€ 18
Reserve price not met
Tom Johnson
Expert
Estimate  € 280 - € 350
IT
€18
NL
€15

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This Spanish antique Santander heraldic shield, estimated to date from 1750–1800, is carved from wood with stucco and traces of polychromy.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

An interesting piece of popular and municipal heraldry, carved in wood and polychromed, probably made between the 17th and 18th centuries, or inspired by models from that period. The coat of arms features a composition closely linked to Santander’s historical arms, represented through their most distinctive elements: the fortified tower, alluding to the city’s defense, and a vessel sailing on the water, symbolizing the maritime and commercial calling of the Cantabrian port. At the top are also the heads of the martyrs Saint Emeterius and Saint Celedonius, the city’s historic patron saints and a recurring motif in Santander’s heraldic iconography.

The piece stands out for its richly carved baroque scrollwork and volutes framing the central field, creating a highly ornamental composition. Traces of the original polychromy and stucco remain, with bluish tones predominating in the background and gold on the raised details. The patina, wear, and losses bear witness to a long history. The surface treatment points to a handcrafted work probably intended to adorn a civic building, a vessel, a manor house, or a space associated with local government or maritime corporations.

The pointed heraldic field concentrates the composition’s symbolic force in a naïve yet expressive depiction, characteristic of many examples of popular heraldic art in early modern Spain. The remnants of stucco and gilding applied to the wood enrich the relief and add visual depth, while the pronounced erosion of the polychromy lends the piece an appealing historical authenticity.

This is a notable example of decorative Spanish heraldry from the ancien régime, bringing together sculpture, painting, and municipal symbolism in a work of considerable ethnographic and collectible interest, particularly associated with the history and maritime tradition of Santander and the Cantabrian coast.

Insured shipping and careful packaging.

Seller's Story

Vintage Shop SL is a prominent antique store that since 2010 has been committed to customer satisfaction and sustainability. This shop is not only a cultural treasure that preserves the history and heritage of our societies, but also strives to operate in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner. At Vintage Shop SL, we believe that customer service is essential to our success. Our highly trained team is dedicated to providing friendly, knowledgeable, and personalized service. We take pride in helping our customers find the perfect vintage pieces that fit their individual tastes and needs, ensuring their satisfaction and fostering lasting relationships. But that's not all. At Vintage Shop SL, we also care about the sustainability of the business and its impact on the natural environment. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting responsible business practices. On the one hand, we promote the circular economy and reuse by offering vintage items in excellent condition. By acquiring antiques at our shop, customers contribute to the conservation of natural resources by avoiding the production of new items and reducing the carbon emissions associated with manufacturing and transportation.
Translated by Google Translate

An interesting piece of popular and municipal heraldry, carved in wood and polychromed, probably made between the 17th and 18th centuries, or inspired by models from that period. The coat of arms features a composition closely linked to Santander’s historical arms, represented through their most distinctive elements: the fortified tower, alluding to the city’s defense, and a vessel sailing on the water, symbolizing the maritime and commercial calling of the Cantabrian port. At the top are also the heads of the martyrs Saint Emeterius and Saint Celedonius, the city’s historic patron saints and a recurring motif in Santander’s heraldic iconography.

The piece stands out for its richly carved baroque scrollwork and volutes framing the central field, creating a highly ornamental composition. Traces of the original polychromy and stucco remain, with bluish tones predominating in the background and gold on the raised details. The patina, wear, and losses bear witness to a long history. The surface treatment points to a handcrafted work probably intended to adorn a civic building, a vessel, a manor house, or a space associated with local government or maritime corporations.

The pointed heraldic field concentrates the composition’s symbolic force in a naïve yet expressive depiction, characteristic of many examples of popular heraldic art in early modern Spain. The remnants of stucco and gilding applied to the wood enrich the relief and add visual depth, while the pronounced erosion of the polychromy lends the piece an appealing historical authenticity.

This is a notable example of decorative Spanish heraldry from the ancien régime, bringing together sculpture, painting, and municipal symbolism in a work of considerable ethnographic and collectible interest, particularly associated with the history and maritime tradition of Santander and the Cantabrian coast.

Insured shipping and careful packaging.

Seller's Story

Vintage Shop SL is a prominent antique store that since 2010 has been committed to customer satisfaction and sustainability. This shop is not only a cultural treasure that preserves the history and heritage of our societies, but also strives to operate in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner. At Vintage Shop SL, we believe that customer service is essential to our success. Our highly trained team is dedicated to providing friendly, knowledgeable, and personalized service. We take pride in helping our customers find the perfect vintage pieces that fit their individual tastes and needs, ensuring their satisfaction and fostering lasting relationships. But that's not all. At Vintage Shop SL, we also care about the sustainability of the business and its impact on the natural environment. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting responsible business practices. On the one hand, we promote the circular economy and reuse by offering vintage items in excellent condition. By acquiring antiques at our shop, customers contribute to the conservation of natural resources by avoiding the production of new items and reducing the carbon emissions associated with manufacturing and transportation.
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Era
1400-1900
Wood type
Stuccoed
Title additional information
Coat of Arms
Model
Santander
Material
Wood
Country of origin
Spain
Style
Antique
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
46 cm
Width
36 cm
Depth
5 cm
Estimated period
1750-1800
Spain (Mainland & Balearic Islands)Verified
3994
Objects sold
93.7%
pro

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