Holy-Water Stoup c. 1765 - 1775

Giovanni Antonio Fornari's "Holy-Water Stoup" is a Rococo-style, silver and gilt bronze relief sculpture, created between 1765 and 1775. The piece depicts a scene of the baptism of Christ, surrounded by angels and clouds in a gilded oval frame. It is a fine example of the craftsmanship of the Italian Baroque period and features intricate detail in the embossed figures and rich ornamentation. The central scene is elevated from the surrounding frame and ornamented with Rococo scrolls and embellishments. This stoup would have been used in a religious setting to hold holy water for religious ceremonies and blessings.