Baraffael Family Hanukkah Lamp
1773–75
Medium
Silver, embossed, engraved, punched; soft wood back support
Dimensions
confirmed: 16 9/16 × 11 9/16 × 3 3/4 in. (42 × 29.4 × 9.5 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Silver
Culture
Italian, Rome
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Acquisitions Fund, Friends of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Gifts, Renée E. and Robert A. Belfer, Leon D. and Debra R. Black, Betsy and Ed Cohen/Arete, Mark Fisch and Rachel Davidson, Álvaro Saieh Bendeck, Ruth and Andrew Suzman, Ann Tenenbaum and Thomas H. Lee, and Merryl H. and James S. Tisch Gifts, 2018
Accession Number
2018.89
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection of European Sculpture and Decorative, the *Baraffael Family Hanah Lamp* (1773–75) is a stunning example of 18th-century Roman silversmithing by Gasp Venneschi. Crafted for prominent Jewish family in Rome, lamp—known as a hanukkiyah—served as the centerpiece for celebrating Hanukkah, the of Lights. During the holiday, families kindle its eight branches plus shamash (helper candle) over eight nights, symbolizing the miracle of the oil in the ancient Temple. Venneschi, a skilled Italian artisan, created it amid Rome's vibrant Jewish community...