Censer
Unknown Artist
second half 18th century
Medium
Silver gilt
Dimensions
H. 3 in. (7.6 cm.); H. (with chains) 12 1/4 in. (31.1 cm.)
Classification
Crèche
Culture
Italian, Naples
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Loretta Hines Howard, 1964
Accession Number
64.164.144
Art Historical Context
This exquisite silver gilt censer, crafted by an unknown artist in Naples during the second half of the 18th century, stands as a delicate treasure from the golden age of Neapolitan crèche artistry. Measuring just 3 inches (7.6 cm) tall but extending to 12¼ inches (31.1 cm) with its chains, it was designed as an accessory for elaborate nativity scenes, or *presepi*, which vividly recreated the Christmas story with lifelike figurines and intricate props. The gleaming silver, lavishly gilded for a radiant effect, highlights the opulence of Baroque decorative arts in southern Italy, where such it...