Alfonsino Bronze Bell by Miguel de Cervantes, Spain, 1930s

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Description

Bronze bell “Miguel de Cervantes”, Alfonsino Period (1898-1941) – Spain

Extraordinary hand bell composed of a body animated by four … Read more Bronze bell “Miguel de Cervantes”, Alfonsino Period (1898-1941) – Spain

Extraordinary hand bell composed of a body animated by four tondos with scenes in relief that narrate episodes from Miguel de Cervantes' masterpiece, Don Quixote de la Mancha, one of the pillars of universal literature. The tondos and the entire piece are covered in vegetal ornamentation, giving it an elegant and organic appearance. The bell is topped by a handle that takes the shape of a bust of Miguel de Cervantes in a solemn attitude wearing the ruff so characteristic of the period in which the author lived. Inside is its clapper, simple, without any type of ornamentation, so the bell is fully functional.

The technique with which it was made is casting, a process that begins with the making of the male, a kind of false bell that is traditionally made with clay. Once the core is made, it is left to dry and more mud is applied to uniform the surface. Before making the false bell, a solution is applied that prevents both parts from adhering to each other. Once the false bell is dried, another layer is created, the female. After drying, it is moved to the foundry pit, where the molten bronze is poured. In the casting pit, the bell is filled with earth so that the piece resists high temperatures. In addition to this, the ring that will hold the clapper is inserted. Then the first two layers of the bell, the female and the false bell, are removed, leaving the male exposed. A layer of non-stick is applied to the male and the false bell is replaced, leaving a space between both parts that will be filled by the molten bronze.



Typology: Hand bell
Material: Bronze
Period: Alfonsino (1898-1941)
Country: Spain
Good condition based on age and use.
Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 14 cm. See less