Bronze and gilded copper box, Central Europe, 16th century

Bronze and gilded copper box, Central Europe, 16th century Dimensions: 13 x 17.2 x 12.2 cm Resting on the ground by means of four spherical feet in gilded bronze, this splendid little box has a structure with linear frames, on which five very refined historiated panels in gilded copper are fixed by means of delightful small hammered metal nails. The same, finely worked in relief and chisel, are very rich in details, revealing a high executive quality. The theme represented is the life of Jesus. Left side panel The first in chronological order. Represented is the Annunciation. The scene takes place under a portico, where Mary is seated and reading a book. She is surprised by the Archangel Gabriel who, standing and holding the classic lily in his right hand, announces the happy event to the Virgin. To underline the balance of the composition and the elegance of the drapery in the clothes of the two characters. Also note the executive quality of the archangel's wings, that of the vase placed between the two and of the floor, capable of giving, in such a small surface, a clear perspective idea to the scene. Front tile: Represented is the Adoration of the Shepherds The scene takes place on the edge of a cave/temple, represented with various types of architecture; and the exterior, represented with a soft turf on which you can see some stones, a stream and trees. Jesus is gently supported by Mary in the cradle / manger, watched over by two Angels, lit by a candle supported by St. Joseph and warmed by the ox and the donkey. Here he receives the adoration of the shepherds, who, in classic clothes, and accompanied by the inseparable dog, come to visit the newborn. Rear tile The adoration of the Magi Also in this case the scene takes place in an environment halfway between inside and outside The Holy Family is this time represented on the right side of the composition. Joseph is standing leaning on a stick behind Mary who is seated and holds the Child Jesus in her arms. The three Magi, in sumptuous clothes, bring Jesus the classic gifts… gold, silver and myrrh. This time the Child is represented very alert and speaks directly with the Magi closest to him, touching with his hand the gift contained in an elegant vase that is brought to him. Also in this case the tile is very pleasant, balanced and full of details. Right lateral panel Circumcision Eight days after his birth, Jesus was circumcised according to the Jewish practice of the Milah. The scene takes place inside a building, perhaps the temple of Jerusalem, or at the house of Joseph. In the light of a torch held by a man standing on the right, the high priest, seated on an elegant seat decorated with a mask, circumcises Jesus. The Child is held by Joseph, and a woman, probably Mary, can be seen behind him. A fifth man is standing in the background. The focal point of the representation is slightly off center on the left of the panel. Here most of the characters are gathered and in particular in the foreground the exact moment is described during which the high priest performs the operation with the aid of a small knife. Upper tile The Crucifixion An event considered by Christians to be the culminating event through which Christ, with his own sacrifice, brought about the salvation of the people from sin. Jesus' crucifixion took place on Mount Golgotha. In the background of the panel the city of Jerusalem is visible, in the center, in the foreground Christ crucified, with beside him, on the left side, the mournful figures of Mary and the "beloved apostle" who in grief pray looking in the direction of Jesus . On the opposite side, two soldiers, one on foot armed with a shield and spear and the second riding an elegant steed, watch over the sad scene. Also this panel is rich in details: the accuracy with which the figures, the architectures are executed, the sky with the small sun and the great swirl of clouds ready to cover it, the ground, covered with grass, stones, and trees. Everything is made with skill and great attention to detail, giving the box an important added value which, added to those of the elegant architectural structure and balanced proportions, makes it a truly pleasant and refined work. The work, like all our other objects, will be sold accompanied by certificates of authenticity and lawful origin. We personally take care of and organize the packing and shipping of the artworks with insurance all over the world The object is provided with the free movement permit, issued by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, which certifies its age, value and gives the object the possibility of being exported.