Bacchus-head Incense Burner In Cast Silver – Belgium, Late 19th – Early 20th Century

Bacchus-head incense burner in cast silver – Belgium, late 19th – early 20th century

Spectacular cast silver incense burner, 800 parts per thousand, Belgian craftsmanship from the late 19th or early 20th century.

This remarkable piece of silverwork is designed as a true sculpture in the round depicting the head of Bacchus. It is particularly distinguished by its casting technique, in which the silver was poured into a mold in the manner of bronze, resulting in powerful modeling and particularly pronounced reliefs.

Bacchus’s highly expressive face features a full beard and deeply modeled hair. He is crowned with leaves and bunches of grapes, attributes characteristic of Bacchic iconography. The sculptural work is particularly elaborate, alternating between polished surfaces and finely detailed elements that accentuate the relief of the face, beard, and crown.

On the forehead is a small removable panel that provides access to the reservoir for adding the oil to be burned. Three tubular spouts, arranged at the base of the head, are designed to hold the wicks used to light the incense burner. A handle allows the object to be grasped and moved.

The piece is also impressive for its exceptional weight of 862 grams of silver, despite being only 16 cm long. This significant amount of metal, combined with the cast silver technique and the power of its modeling, gives it the character of a true silver sculpture, transcending its function as an incense burner.

The silversmith’s hallmark could not be identified. A first letter, which appears to be an “A,” is visible, while the second remains difficult to read.

Characteristics

• Object: incense burner
• Subject: Head of Bacchus
• Material and technique: cast silver, 800-th fineness
• Origin: Belgium
• Period: late 19th – early 20th century
• Silversmith: unidentified hallmark; first letter appears to be an “A,” second letter unidentified
• Function: oil reservoir accessible via a removable disc located on the forehead; three spouts designed to hold the wicks
• Length: 16 cm
• Maximum width: 11 cm
• Height: 8.5 cm
• Weight: 862 g