Jarro de Pico
late 16th century
Medium
Silver, parcel-gilt
Dimensions
Overall (confirmed): max ht. 7 5/8; ht. from upper edge of body: 6 5/16 x 8 3/8 x 4 3/16 in., 2.1lb. (19.4; 16 x 21.3 x 10.6 cm, 0.9474kg)
Classification
Metalwork-Silver
Culture
Spanish, Valladolid
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Friends of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Gifts, in memory of Olga Raggio, 2009
Accession Number
2009.227
Tags
Art Historical Context
Behold the *Jarro de Pico*, exquisite late 16th-century silver pitcher crafted by Hernando Solis, master silversmith from Valladolid, Spain. This parcel-gilt masterpiece—measuring about 7⅝ inches tall and weighing just over 2 pounds— a graceful, spout-like form ideal for pouring wine or water, evoking the Renaissance elegance of Spanish domestic luxury. The partial gilding, where thin gold leaf is applied to silver for a shimmering contrast, highlights Solis's skillful chasing and embossing techniques, creating a luminous surface that catches the light. Hailing from Valladolid, a thriving art...