Sanctuary Lamp
Attributed to Fabio Vendetti
Sanctuary Lamp, 1786
Silver
H. (top of hanging ring) 56 1/2 in. (143.5 cm); h. (top of silver) 52 5/8 in. (133.5 cm); w. 22 1/2 in. (57 cm); d. 22 1/2 in. (57 cm); weight: 90 lb. (40.8 kg)
Terra Sancta Museum, Jerusalem
© The Frick Collection
Inspired by Italian models, this monumental silver sanctuary lamp has no equal among surviving contemporary Spanish works. It may be the work of Fabio Vendetti, an Italian silversmith who, together with his father Antonio, was active in Spain. The lamp is decorated with the coats of arms of the Custody and of the Kingdom of Spain. The four large sculptures around the lamp represent the four Evangelists with their symbols: Matthew (with an angel), Mark (with a lion), Luke (with an ox), and John (with an eagle).