Kiss Of Peace (pax) In Gilded Bronze – Saint Ildefonsus Of Toledo, Spain – 16th Century

Exceptional Gilt Bronze Kiss of Peace (Pax) – Saint Ildefonsus of Toledo – Spain, Toledo, 1534-1545 – Renaissance.

Rare and remarkable liturgical Pax in gilt bronze, a work of the Spanish Renaissance, attributable to the workshops of Toledo during the episcopate of Cardinal Juan Pardo de Tavera.

Description:

The panel presents in bas-relief the famous scene of the Virgin Mary presenting the chasuble to Saint Ildefonsus of Toledo (607–667), a foundational episode in Hispanic iconography, symbolizing the Marian recognition of the doctrinal orthodoxy of the holy archbishop.
The composition is framed by Renaissance architecture with columns and a segmental pediment. In the tympanum, God the Father appears in glory.
A Latin inscription runs beneath the entablature: "NOVO TE VESTIMENTO SAL" ("I will give you a new garment"), a direct reference to the miracle.

The lower part is adorned with two episcopal coats of arms of Cardinal Juan Pardo de Tavera (1472-1545), Bishop of Santiago de Compostela and later Archbishop of Toledo, allowing for a firm dating between 1534 and 1545.

On the reverse, there is an old engraving reproducing the motif of the obverse, now faded, as well as its original wrought iron handle.

Dimensions: H. 15.7 cm x W. 10.5 cm

Condition:

Very good old condition, normal wear to the gilding, beautiful period patina

Provenance: Chiaramonte Bordonaro Collection, Palermo

Bibliography: César González Zamora, Plata y Bronces en la colección Bordonaro, Volume I, Caligrama, Spain, 2021, pp. 135-136, inv. no. 167.

Identical examples are held in the following public collections: • Museo Frederic Marès, Barcelona (inv. 1589) • Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas, Madrid (inv. CE26359).

The quality of the casting, the fineness of the reliefs, the rare iconography, and the documented provenance place this example at museum level.

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