Design for a Cup or Reliquary Composed of a Shell and S-Volute. 1652 - 1725

Giovanni Battista Foggini created this design for a cup or reliquary with pen and brown ink in the late 17th to early 18th century. Foggini was an important sculptor in Florence, and this drawing gives us a glimpse into the design process of the period. The shell form, elevated on an ornate stand, speaks to the cultural fascination with natural history and collecting that was emerging at the time. Reliquaries often held religious relics, suggesting the fusion of sacred and secular values in Baroque culture. The elaborate S-volute handle adds a touch of flamboyance and luxury, reflective of the aristocratic patronage system under which Foggini operated. Consider the emotional resonance of such an object, designed to hold something precious, whether a saintly relic or a nobleman’s drink. It represents an alternative narrative of devotion and status, shaped by both religious and social expectations. This design encapsulates how art can function as a reflection of identity, class, and the complex interplay between the earthly and the divine.