Small Embossed Brass Basin – Virgin And Child – Nuremberg, Second Half Of The 15th Century

A rare small repoussé brass basin of Germanic origin, likely made in the Nuremberg region during the second half of the 15th century.

Circular in shape, this small basin features a particularly interesting repoussé decoration, directly related to that of the famous Germanic offering dishes (Beckenschlägerschüsseln) produced in workshops in the Nuremberg region during the late Middle Ages.

The center is adorned with a depiction of the pregnant Virgin Mary, standing and holding a fleur-de-lis in her right hand, while her left hand holds a scroll bearing Gothic script. The figure is surrounded by a series of radiating gadroons, forming a composition characteristic of this type of production.

The treatment of the motif, the composition, and the decorative vocabulary show numerous similarities with the repoussé brass basins and offering dishes of the 15th and 16th centuries. In particular, this piece can be compared to the examples reproduced by Tamás Egyeki-Szabó in his bookBeckenschlägerschüsseln (15th–16th century), particularly on pages 49 and 50, which feature decorations and figures that bear a striking resemblance.

This depiction of the pregnant Virgin Mary, or Maria gravida, is particularly interesting in the context of Marian devotion in the late Middle Ages. The presence of the lily—a traditional symbol of purity and virginity—as well as the scroll with Gothic script, fully reflects the iconographic language of this period.

Germanic work, likely from the Nuremberg region, second half of the 15th century.

Diameter: 20 cm.

In good overall condition considering its age. The piece shows several areas of surface wear as well as a few holes and areas of material loss, visible in the photographs, which attest to its age and use.

A small-scale piece but one that is particularly interesting for its iconography, the quality of its decoration, and its similarities to late-Medieval offering bowls.

Price does not include shipping costs

Police Registry Ref.: A172

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