Lot 51
51
A SPANISH BRASS-MOUNTED RED LEATHER TRAVELLING ALTAR
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more PROPERTY FROM A EUROPEAN NOBLE FAMILY (LOTS 1-103)
A SPANISH BRASS-MOUNTED RED LEATHER TRAVELLING ALTAR

FIRST HALF 19TH CENTURY

Details
A SPANISH BRASS-MOUNTED RED LEATHER TRAVELLING ALTAR
FIRST HALF 19TH CENTURY
Of rectangular shape, the panelled interior embellished with guilloche-bordered star motif above a rectangular reserve set with a drawing and flanked by two oval reserves and three panels with latin inscriptions, above a vine and foliate-mounted gilt frieze, the hinged sides above a flap revealing a green-painted drawer, with five different black, ivory, green, purple and red floral damask fabric panels to dress up the tabernacle base, the sides mounted with ormolu handles, the hinged and retractable red-painted trestle legs fitted with folding metal brackets, on cups and castors, the leather possibly replaced
88½ in. (225 cm.) high; 69¾ in. (177 cm.) wide; 24¾ in. (63,5 cm.) deep
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

This portable altar, which folds into a compact, easily transportable leather trunk, reflects the continuing importance of religion in great households. A similar colonial example of the late 18th Century is illustrated in Converging Cultures, Art & Identity in Spanish America, exhibition catalogue, 1996, The Brooklyn Museum, p. 248, no. 104.

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