Heraldic Shield. Carved Alabaster. Spain, 17th Century.

Heraldic shield. Carved alabaster. Spain, 17th century.

Chequered shield with seven Moorish heads facing the center, adorned on the border and a bird on the crest. The first quarter is checkered with chains in order of three and five; the second quarter is checkered with towers and chevrons with a pendant; the third quarter is a saltire bordered by seven saltires of Saint Andrew; the fourth quarter is composed of three horizontal bands. It is crowned by a knight's helmet with plumes facing left and flanked by a composition of grotesques with busts, volutes, and architectural elements on the hats of the human figures; below, another bust flanked by vegetal and architectural elements. The composition corresponds to models common in the 17th century, while retaining a marked classicism. Compare, for example, with that of the Casa de Begoña de Agurain, that of the Barrio del Cantero in Barcenillas (Cantabria), etc. -
Dimensions: 103x110 cm