An Episcopal Italian silver chamber candlestick and dish, Andrea Sanini, Rome, circa 1800

Estimate

1,200 - 1,800 EUR

bidding is closed

Description

753 gr, diameter of plate 23.2 cm

engraved with an archbishop's coat-of-arms, the plate with beaded border, fully marked at the reverse rim, the candlestick with coiled serpent handle, on three paw feet , traces of gilding, maker's mark rubbed (2)

Literature

Costantino G. Bulgari, Argentieri Gemmari e Orafi d’Italia III, Fratelli Palombi Editori, Roma, 1980, p. 373.

Catalogue Note

Andrea Sanini (circa 1756-1809) was born in Rome to the silversmith Giovanni Felice Sanini and Barbara Giorgini. He began working with his Father in 1787 and married Maria Antonia Giunchi on 27^th July 1788.
From January to June 1801, became the 4^th consul of the orefici, or society of silversmiths. From 25 June 1801 to 25 June 1804, he became the 3^rd consul of the orefici. Thereafter, from the 25^th June 1807 to the 13^th November 1809, he is recorded as being awarded the honorary title of Camerlengo, or Chamberlain, a title referring to an official of the Papal court. This refers to the Roman Church, the Chamberlain of the Sacred College of Cardinals, or to various lesser dignitaries. It is possible that as a camerlengo, Sanini’s duty was silversmith to the Papal Court.