An exceedingly rare Roman silver centerpiece bowl richly chiseled and finely high relief embossed in the round.

This silver tureen is a rich and one-of-a-kind work of art that displays the graceful and lavish Baroque details with intricate decorations such as shells, floral patterns and putti.
In the richly chiseled and embossed central body there are four intricately engraved mercury gold finished scrolls in which is written a motto in ancient Latin language. These four different mottos and its emblems (the correct term is "impresa") present on each cartouche are associated with a knight a prince and monsignor lived in 17th century.

After a long study we finally discovered that the mottos are connected to Nicolò Sanseverino Prince of Bisignano (motto: “His perfusa”), Luigi of Luxemburg monsignore di Ligny (“Obstantia Nubila Solvet”) and knight Carlo Paci from Assisi (motto: “Expers Interitus”), the fourth motto (“Immobile in Motu”) is present in a Renaissance period treaty but not attributable to any famous person. This gorgeous centerpiece is supported by a molded base enriched with scrolls, floral patterns and stylized acanthus leaves details. A band of oval shaped balls joins the base to the bowl. The cover is richly embossed and finishes with a chiseled half sphere edged with a twisted silver wire cord, the lid’s top is embellished with a putto holding a cornucopia. There are two full-length putti sitting on the side handles holding two garlands.

This centrepiece was probably a ballot box turned in a tureen subsequently. There isn’t the hallmark but both the general structure and shape and all the decorative motifs suggest an important ecclesiastical patron, maybe it was commissioned by a lay or academic congregation, in the Roman area or in any case of pontifical Vatican possessions.
Perfect condition, beautiful antique original patina.

Measure: Height 37 cm, Width 41 cm, Depth 28 cm.
Total weight 4400 gr. (155.21 ozs)