Salver
Physical Object
1986.008.0002
Santa Margarita (1622)
circa 1575
A salver was a footed, plate-like vessel used in table service and often paired with a chalice or cup that would rest on it. This gold salver consists of a round, shallow plate with a wide, flat brim that is fixed to a circular, pedestaled foot. The interior of the plate of the plate is engraved with a Hispano-Moresque geometric pattern that is a masterwork of engraving. A main, quadrant, cruciform pattern is composed of four ornate, “C”-shaped figures interspersed with floral motifs. Polished elements of the design are highlighted by a matte background created through thousands of tiny, cross-hatched, chisel marks. Stamps on the underside appear to be remnants of the Spanish escutcheon – official indicators that taxes had been paid for the valuable piece.