Salver (detail)
INV
OR.612
AUTHOR
Ourives L.V.
PLACE/DATE
Lisbon, c.1720
MATERIALS
Repoussé and chased silver
DIMENSIONS
Ø 45 cm; 920 g
INV
OR.612
On this salver, with its wavy rim, the relief decoration organised in concentric circles around a central medallion stands out: on the outside, flowers dominate, including tulips, and inside various animals are represented, such as rodents, insects, birds and cats.
The medallion is carried by two monkeys, one as a knight on a wooden horse and the other as his page. This theme is part of the decorative genre of the singeries, characterised by the humorous representation of monkeys dressed in elegant costumes simulating human behaviour, in a manner of satire.
