Liturgical bucket
1712 or 1713
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
Height (without handle): 5 1/2 in. (14 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Silver
Culture
Italian, Naples
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Gift of Mrs. William C. Breed, by exchange, 1980
Accession Number
1980.461
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection, this *Liturgical bucket* by Neapolitan silversmith Palmentiero dates to 1712 or 1713. Crafted silver and standing just 5½ inches (14 cm) tall without its handle, this petite vessel was designed for use in Catholic liturgy, likely to hold holy water or aid in ritual sprinkling. Its modest scale belies the intricate skill required, showcasing the precision of 18th-century Italian metalwork. Hailing from Naples—a vibrant hub of Baroque artistry under Spanish and later Austrian influence—this piece refl...