Box with Episodes from the Life of the Spinola Family 1636
mattheusmelijn
natural stone pattern
rippled sketch texture
3d sculpting
toned paper
sculpture
detailed texture
sculptural image
3d shape
stoneware
curved surface
"Box with Episodes from the Life of the Spinola Family" is a silver relief by Dutch artist Mattheus Melijn, created in 1636. This detailed artwork depicts a scene from the life of the Spinola family, likely a ceremonial procession, showcasing the family's wealth and power. The scene features several figures on horseback, soldiers with swords and shields, and a large carriage, all executed in a high-relief style. Melijn's meticulous attention to detail and realistic portrayal of the figures and horses give the work a sense of grandeur and historical significance.
Comments
In the 17th century various silversmiths from the Netherlands were active in the Italian city of Genoa. They were celebrated for their skills in rendering stories in very high relief. These plaquettes are made by the most famous of these craftsmen, Mattheus Melijn of Antwerp. They feature episodes from the life of the Spinola family, and show how a city can be conquered: Maria Spinola procured a duchy through the power of love, her brother Ambrogio through military might. In the coach at the left are Maria and her cousin and husband Gianbattista Spinola. In 1616, they are jubilantly greeted by the people of their new duchy, San Pietro in Galatina, on Sicily. Various worlds came together in this duchy; at the right are Turks with turbans and scimitars and at the left Romans in full armour.
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