Rococo Cantagloria With Its Period Engraved Leaf, Gilded And Silvered Wood, Italy, 18th Century

A central Rocaille-style cantagloria, preserved with its original engraved sheet, titled *Sacrum Convivium*, which is very rare: on this type of object, the printed sheet has often been torn off, replaced, or covered up.The engraving is clearly legible. It depicts a putto holding a chalice within a halo of rays, rocaille cartouches in the corners, and the Latin text in three columns with plainchant staves and rubrics in red: Gloria, Credo, Offertory prayers, words of consecration, Placeat tibi, sancta Trinitas. Its title refers to the Eucharistic antiphon *O sacrum convivium*, traditionally attributed to Saint Thomas Aquinas.The frame, carved from wood and decorated with volutes, shells, and scrollwork, is surmounted by a crown of facing volutes. The inner border is gilded with gold leaf and features an incised pattern of fine lines. The backgrounds are silvered using the “mecca” technique (silver covered with a yellow varnish imitating gold), with original oxidation and a warm patina. The reverse side is coated and painted off-white, consisting of two joined panels. The legs are reinforced with added brackets, secured with forged nails. Italy, 18th century. Dimensions: Width: 48 cm; Height: 31 cm