The town of Osnabrück is not usually associated with fine silverware. Nevertheless, it does have a heritage: in the 17th century there was one family of artisans that practised the craft of silversmith, producing articles that didn't look out of place on the dining table of the bishop.
The object on this painting - a Tauf Krug, or Baptism Pitcher - dates from that period, and is likely from hand of one of the members of this family.
"Taufkrug"
Oil on canvas, 2010 - 50 cm x 40cm
I was very fortunate to have been given permission to paint this rare artifact, but although I was eager to use it in a painting, I didn't immediately have a composition in mind. Just then I happened to watch an interview with the Dutch Priest Antoine Bodar, who, before he was ordained as priest and moved to Rome, had studied Art History at the University of Leiden.
A man who is both an Ecclesiastic and an Art Historian must be able to offer some guidance. And indeed, the Professor Priest kindly answered my email, causing me to base the grouping on a white cloth, as white is related to the sacrament of baptism.
The main accent colour presented itself when my sister handed me some hyacinths, and from then on, it merely required moving the various items about until I arrived at the final composition.
At an Art & Framing Trade Fair I noticed a black and silver frame hanging in the exhibition booth of Delf Cadres Paris, which turned out a very good match for the painting.