Modernist baptismal font with dragon. Catalonia, ca. 1900

Modernist baptismal font with dragon. Catalonia, ca. 1900.
Wrought iron.
Measurements: 161 x 56 cm.

This unique baptismal font is distinguished by its typology, endowed with great sculptural expressiveness, close to creations of great modernist masters such as Antoni Gaudi or Josep Maria Jujol. The piece shows a personal reinterpretation of Gothic using dragons, a resource used by artists such as Jujol and Gaudí in numerous objects (lamps, candlesticks...) that were also made in wrought iron. The base opens in a cross with wavy blades and scrolls that converge in the stem. This one grows as an organic formation in the form of braids and braided strands. The baptismal font, devoid of Christian iconography, is based on a hammered plate in gilded metal. In fact, the piece can also be used as a side table. The upper body is dominated by a dragon with expressive open jaws between which a threatening tongue protrudes. The unfolded wings with cut-out profiles recall poly-lobed leaves.

The dragon is an ancient symbol, related to Catalonia through the history of Sant Jordi, its patron saint, but at the same time it has its roots directly in Greek mythology, in the figure of the agatodemon. The Greeks conceived him as a beneficent daimon who accompanied people throughout their lives, manifesting himself when necessary. As a personal companion spirit he was similar to the Roman genie, and like him he guaranteed good luck, health and wisdom. In Christianity it would have its echo in the Guardian Angel, although it is mentioned in the Black Book, where all the demons and hierarchies of hell are listed. However, it is a good genie, a benevolent spirit who fiercely defends the home from evil spirits. Originally, in Greece the agatodemon was represented in the form of a snake or as a young man accompanied by a cornucopia, a bowl, a poppy and ears of wheat. With the passage of time his representation as a winged serpent or dragon prevailed.