Small Bronze Mortar With Ears – Primitive Portrait, Spain – Early Period – Medicine

Late 17th century Spain A superb bronze mortar, dated to the late 17th century and of Spanish origin. This rare model, called a “mortar with ears”, presents a portrait sculpted in a primitive style, characterized by clean lines and a minimalist expression. This type of representation, often less detailed than the academic works of the time, focuses on essential forms, testifying to popular art in Spain at the end of the 17th century. The portrait exudes a brute force and touching simplicity, typical of the primitive aesthetic. The lateral buttresses, in the shape of ears, are typical of the Spanish tradition and give the object both robustness and elegance. This mortar, once used in medicine to grind herbs and remedies, is not only a witness to the functional craftsmanship of the time, but also a decorative object in its own right. Please note: slight wear on certain parts and some impacts on the rim, but these remain minimal and do not affect the structural integrity of the object. Iconographic reference: “Los Almireces Españoles”, by Francisco RUIZ DE GOPEGUI (Sugrañes Ed, 2005) Finally, in a more personal way, the sculpted face recalls the portraits in the works of the painter and sculptor Modigliani. Although the comparison is anachronistic, the similarity in the treatment of simple and elongated shapes allows us to establish an interesting artistic parallel between this 17th century mortar and Modigliani's modern aesthetic. (This remains a personal observation that I allow myself to share.) Dimensions: Height: 8.5 cm ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY!