Gilt Bronze Kiss Of Peace – Castile (spain) – Circa 1525-1550

Gilt bronze Kiss of Peace – Castile (Spain) – circa 1525-1550.

Spanish Kiss of Peace in cast, chased, and formerly gilt bronze, attributed to a Castilian production of the early 16th century.
This model was widespread in northern Castile and is documented by several examples preserved or recorded in Burgos, Álava, and La Rioja.

Description:

The rectangular plaque rests on an architectural base with bars, centered by a braced cross. The main scene depicts a Pietà: the dead Christ lying across the Virgin's lap, flanked by Saint John and Mary Magdalene, positioned along the vertical axis of the cross. The composition is rendered in dense bas-relief, typical of Castilian portapaces of the early Renaissance.
The architecture is structured by two fluted lateral columns and a lower balustrade. The upper register forms a tympanum adorned with foliate S-shaped volutes, centered by a relief of an angel's head.

This decorative vocabulary—striated base, volute tympanum, cherub at the top—corresponds to a well-identified type in the region.

The reverse is fitted with a functional, antique wrought-iron handle, allowing for liturgical presentation.
There is no hallmark, a common practice for this type of object.

The dating of this model varies depending on the source (from the second quarter to the last third of the 16th century). Stylistic comparisons, particularly with models studied by García Barrón and commissions related to the episcopate of Alonso de Castilla, place this example around 1525-1550.

Dimensions: Height: 10.5 cm x Width: 7.8 cm x Weight: 180 g.

Condition:

Good overall condition, with consistent wear to the gilding and an old patina.

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