Apostle’s Spoon with St. Simon, silver, 18th century
525,00 €
Spoon, so called “apostolic” with a handle topped with a full-figured figure of St. Simon Zelota holding a saw, which is his attribute. The head of the saint topped with a circular shield with a representation of a bird (probably a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit). Item of liturgical or collectible nature.
1 in stock
St. Simon - symbol of steadfast faith and martyrdom
Saint Simon Zelota, depicted with a saw - the instrument of his martyrdom - symbolizes uncompromising devotion to God and spiritual strength in the face of persecution. In Christian iconography, his figure appears less frequently than other apostles, so figurines with his image are unique. The bird in the shield above his head may be shown a dove, as a sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit or a saved soul.
Historical context
Goldsmithing and craftsmanship flourished in 18th-century England, particularly in Birmingham and Sheffield. Despite religious tensions, some workshops made devotional items for export or for local Catholic communities. Apostolic spoons were part of larger symbolic sets - one for each apostle - used in religious ceremonies or as patronage items. Sometimes they were given as mementos of baptism or confirmation.
Collector's value
The rare spoon with St. Simon has a high collector value due to the preservation of the figure, the rare attribute and the technique of manufacture. Attractive for collectors of devotional items, antique silver and martyr symbolism.
PThe precision of detail, balanced composition and goldsmith's craftsmanship reflect the high level of English craftsmanship. The carved headpiece, the relif of the bird and the sawtooth are signs of the saint's individualization.
Application (Utility)
A museum exhibit, a sacred object in collections or shrine interiors, can also serve as a commemorative, decorative, patronage object.
Curiosity
In some areas of England and Scotland, apostolic spoons were made as "baptismal silver spoons" given to a child for baptism - a symbol of the spiritual guidance of a chosen apostle.
Looking for unique sacred crafts?
Silver apostolic spoon with St. Simon is a rare example of old religious craftsmanship. Ideal for a collection, as a patron gift or as a display piece. See more of our products in the category antique silver.
| Weight | 0,044 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 17,5 × 4,5 × 1,8 cm |
| Type |
Sacred object / part of a liturgical set |
| Form |
Spoon with a figure of a saint on the handle |
| Materiał |
Silver |
| Kolorystyka |
Silver |
| Technika |
Chiseling ,Forging ,Silver casting |
| Czas powstania |
18th century (1701-1800) |
| Era |
Enlightenment |
| Kraj pochodzenia |
England |
| Autor |
Unknown |
| State of preservation |
Very good. |
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