Passover seder plate, 1812-1822
Pacifico Leviexpand_more
Silverexpand_more
The Eloise and Elliot Kaplan Endowment for Judaicaexpand_more 2015.20
Not on Viewexpand_more
Pacifico Levi and his workshop associates employed a technique called “repoussé” to create the decorations on this plate. The French term literally means “to push back.” First, they hammered from the back of the plate to create the designs on the front: concentric borders of leaves, interlocking almond-shaped strap work, and leafy scrolls. These they further refined with engraved and punched details on the front. The flower in the center was cast separately and attached.
Levi made silver for both Jewish and Christian clients. His style, which drew upon the abstract ornament designs of his day, may have been motivated by the double function that such plates could serve, as they lack overt Jewish symbols and references to specific occasions. Thus they would be appropriate for both Jewish and Christian celebrations as well as for everyday use.
Details
- Title
- Passover seder plate
- Artist Life
- active c. 1818
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2015.20
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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