1540. Gold Leaf, 26.0 x 33.0 cm. Kunsthistorisches Museum.
§ 1Catalogue data

- 26.0 x 33.0 cm
§ 2Abstract
Keräilykohteen kuvaus
Marvel at Benvenuto Cellini's opulent 'Salt Cellar,' a Renaissance masterpiece of gold, enamel, and intricate symbolism—a testament to artistry & luxury from 1543 Vienna.
Taiteilijan elämäkerta
Benvenuto Cellini (1500-1571): Florentilainen kultaseppä ja kuvanveistäjä Manneristisella aikakaudella, tunnettu 'Perseuksen pää Medusasta' sekä täydellisestä Kulttialusta Wienin Kunsthistorischemuseumissa. Tutustu hänen taiteeseensa ja elämäänsä!
§ 3Commentary
A Gilded Echo of Antiquity
Benvenuto Cellini's Salt Cellar, a shimmering testament to the heights of Renaissance goldsmithing, isn’t merely a container for salt; it’s a miniature cosmos, a meticulously crafted allegory brimming with symbolism and technical brilliance. Completed in 1543 for King Francis I of France, this extraordinary object transcends its functional purpose, becoming a profound meditation on the relationship between earth and sea, divinity and humanity. It's a piece that whispers tales of ambition, artistry, and the intoxicating allure of the Italian Renaissance—a world where beauty was paramount and skill elevated to an almost religious pursuit.
Image of Benvenuto Cellini’s Salt Cellar
The Anatomy of a Masterpiece
Crafted primarily from gold, the Salt Cellar is an astonishing feat of technical mastery. Cellini, renowned for his flamboyant personality and equally impressive skill, eschewed traditional casting methods, instead meticulously hammering the gold into its delicate, flowing form by hand. The base is elegantly fashioned from ebony, providing a striking contrast to the radiant gold, while ivory bearings allow the sculpture to gracefully roll across a banquet table – a deliberate feature designed for display and conversation. But it’s the enameling that truly elevates the piece; intricate scenes depicting figures representing the four seasons and the four winds are painstakingly applied, adding layers of visual complexity and narrative depth. The sheer scale of detail—from the meticulously rendered folds of clothing to the lifelike expressions on the faces of Neptune and Tellus – speaks volumes about Cellini’s dedication and unparalleled skill.
- Material: Gold, Ebony, Ivory, Enamel
- Dimensions: Approximately 10.5 inches (267 mm) tall, 13.1 inches (333 mm) wide
- Technique: Hand-hammered gold, intricate enamel work
A Dialogue with the Divine
The Salt Cellar’s symbolism is as captivating as its aesthetic beauty. At its heart lies a potent allegory of Terra e Mare – Earth and Sea – embodied by the figures of Neptune, god of the ocean, and Tellus, goddess of the earth. These two powerful deities are depicted in an intimate embrace, their legs intertwined, suggesting a harmonious connection between the terrestrial and aquatic realms. The sculpture is further enriched with symbolic details: a small boat carries the salt, representing the flow of commerce and sustenance; a temple dedicated to peppercorns stands alongside Tellus, signifying the pleasures of earthly life. The inclusion of animals—horses, dogs, dolphins—adds another layer of meaning, drawing upon classical iconography and reinforcing the sculpture’s connection to mythology and antiquity.
A Legacy Forged in Ambition
Cellini's autobiography, *Vita*, offers invaluable insight into the creation of this extraordinary piece. He recounts his initial reluctance to accept the commission from Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, dismissing the cardinal’s suggestions with characteristic arrogance and asserting sole credit for the design. The story is rife with anecdotes about Cellini’s daring exploits—including a dramatic escape from bandits while transporting the gold—further cementing his image as a larger-than-life figure of Renaissance Italy. The Salt Cellar, therefore, isn't just an artistic achievement; it’s a reflection of Cellini’s own complex and often contradictory personality – a testament to ambition, skill, and a profound appreciation for beauty. It remains one of the most celebrated examples of Renaissance goldsmithing, captivating viewers with its exquisite detail and enduring symbolism.
Kysymykset ja vastaukset
Mistä löydän oppaan teokseen "Salt Cellar"?
Opas teokseen "Salt Cellar" on teoksen Opas -sivu – tulostettava tietolomake, joka sisältää teoksen kuvatekstin, tekijätiedot ja tunnistetaulukon (taiteilija, päivämäärät, tekniikka, alkuperäinen koko, kokoelma).
Mikä on teoksen "Salt Cellar" formaatti?
Benvenuto Cellini:n "Salt Cellar" on Landscape-muotoinen sommitelma. Suhteet kannattaa tarkistaa ennen tulostekoon valitsemista.
Mihin vaiheeseen Benvenuto Cellini uralla teoksen "Salt Cellar" vuosiluku 1540 sijoittuu?
Teoksen 1540 valmistumisvuoden perusteella "Salt Cellar" sijoittuu Benvenuto Cellini:n tuotantokaudelle Mature Renaissance.



Teoksille tai reproduktioille, joiden mikä tahansa sivu on suurempi kuin 105 cm (noin 41 tuumaa), kehys toimitetaan osina purettuna sarjana. Tämä menetelmä varmistaa turvallisen toimituksen ja ehkäisee vaurioita kuljetuksen aikana.



