Description
Italy, Venice, Francesco Molin (1646-1655), silver Osella, 1653 – ANNO VIII, S M V – GERMINAVIT LILIVM FLOREBIT AETERNO FR – MOL D S, St. Mark enthroned handing the vexillum to the kneeling Doge, behind St. Mark is St. Antony of Padua with a lily branch, in ex. F R (Francesco da Riva). Rev. COHIBENTE TER – REVM AETHEREO, the Sun directs its rays on a flame that has sprung from the ground in front of a church, in ex. ANNO VIII, 9.72g (Paol. 136; CNI 161).
Good Very Fine, deep cabinet tone. The symbolism of this Osella focuses on the adoption by Venice of the cult of St. Antony of Padua and construction of the monastery of St. Mary of the Lily. The inscription on the reverse says ‘The Heavens rule earthly things’. The flames from Heavens are a frequent motif on the Oselle of Francesco Molin, conveying divine power and will.
Ex. NAC, 26th November 2007, Auction 43, lot 188.
