Baptismal font; Italy, XVII century

Baptismal font; Italy, XVII century.
Carrara marble.
Later shaft and base, 19th century.
Measurements: 25 x 48 cm / 94.5 x 48 x 48 x 48 cm (total).

This Italian baptismal font, made of Carrara marble, combines elements of two periods, integrating in the same set the font itself, from the 17th century, and a fluted shaft with an Ionic base, started in a bull molding, and a prismatic base decorated with acanthus leaves, added in the 19th century.

The basin presents a careful sculptural ornamentation divided in two registers clearly differentiated by a pearl counter. In the lower half there is a continuous motif of carved darts that run around the perimeter with a regular rhythm, while in the upper half, a frieze of fantastic sea creatures unfolds along the surface. The whole is interrupted at four points by sculptural handles in the form of two intertwined snakes.