Fig. 143.—Sword of Boabdil, Madrid. (R.)
Fig. 144.—Spanish Monstrance, 1537. (S.K.M.)
The Moorish caskets are often made of wood, covered with silver or gold plates, the ornamentation being similar to that of the ivory carvings. The Arab or Saracenic metal work of Spain is executed in repoussé, or is chiselled niello work, filigree, or enamelled, and the ornament is usually mixed with the Arab laudatory inscriptions.
The treasure found at Guarrazar, already noticed, shows something of the early metal work of the Spanish Visigoths.
Moorish arms, such as sword sheaths and hilts, are very artistic, as may be seen in the illustration of the sword of Boabdil (Fig. 143), the last of the Moorish kings. The hilt of this sword is made of solid gold, and is enamelled in blue, white, and red. The axle is made of ivory, and is elaborately carved.
Triptychs, altars, processional crosses, and other church furniture were made in Spain in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, of Gothic design.
Fig. 145—Spanish Chalice. (R.)
In the fifteenth century there was an astonishing quantity of silversmiths’ work produced. This was owing to the discovery of America and the consequent power and wealth of Spain at this time. The silver throne of the King Don Martin de Aragon belongs to this period, which still exists in the Cathedral of Barcelona. It is covered with a chased ornamentation in the metal work, and has rich embroidered work of gold and precious stones. Many silversmiths came from Italy, Germany, Holland, and France at this period and settled in Spain owing to the great demand for their services. Riaño gives the names of Enrique de Arphe, Jacome Trezzo, Mateo Aleman, Hans Belta, and others who were employed at this time, besides many Spanish goldsmiths.