Tureen and Surtout with lid; Spain, 20th century.

Tureen and Surtout with lid; Spain, 20th century.
Chiseled and embossed silver.
Presents numbering on the lid.
Measurements: 40 x 49,5 x 36,5 cm.
Weight: 4170 g.
Set consisting of a tureen and a surtout, both made of chiseled and embossed silver, possibly in Spain during the twentieth century. The tureen is the protagonist of the set as it is its handles that immediately capture the attention: two imposing rampant horses stand at each end, with manes in the wind and forelegs raised.
Accompanying the tureen, the surtout - a decorative piece intended to embellish the table - adds a scenographic element to the ensemble. Generously sized, its embossed silver surface accurately reflects every detail of the surroundings, creating an atmosphere of opulence and refinement. On many high society tables, these surtout served not only as a base for tureens and candlesticks, but also as a support for sculptures and other ornamental elements, transforming the table into a true visual spectacle.
Both the tureen and the surtout are part of a long tradition of luxury silverware, where functionality and aesthetics merge in objects that transcend their everyday use to become symbols of distinction. From the Baroque to the 20th century, the great noble houses and the salons of European high society have had pieces of this type, reflecting not only the wealth of their owners, but also their good taste and appreciation for the art of metal.
In this case, the use of embossed and chiseled silver shows a technical virtuosity that refers to the best Spanish goldsmith traditions, where sculpture and silverware have been historically intertwined in the creation of unique pieces.
In short, this set of tureen and surtout is not only a testimony to the refinement of 20th century goldsmithing, but also a piece that dialogues with the history of decorative art, recovering the splendor of the great European tables and reaffirming the artisan's ability to transform the material into an everlasting work of art.