Holy Water Font
- Date
- late 17th century
- Material
- Bronze with gilding and marble
- made in
- Florence, Tuscany region, Italy, Europe
- Classification
- Metalwork
- Collection
- European Art to 1800
- Current Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 27 1/2 x 19 1/2 x 7 5/8 in. (69.9 x 49.5 x 19.4 cm)
- Credit Line
- Friends Endowment Fund
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 169:1966.1
NOTES
This font, which was made as a receptacle for the holy water used by worshippers as they entered or exited the church, exemplifies the dynamic form of Baroque sculpture. Two robed angels and four gesturing cherubs encircle the protruding shell. The artist used the angled wings and arching palm fronds to enliven the composition and provide a rich frame. The green marble background reflects the 17th-century taste for juxtaposing rich materials with differing textures and colors.
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