José Tarongi

JOSE TARONGI, (Zaragoza, XIX Century).
Chapel of the Virgen del Pilar of Zaragoza, ca. XIX century.
Cast silver, embossed and chiseled. Hand carved ebony wood pedestal with red velvet.
Weight: 3 kg. approximately.
Measurements: 42 x 35 x 20 cm (altar); 55 x 56 x 34 cm (with pedestal).

Imposing silver representation of the Holy Chapel of the Virgin of Pilar of Zaragoza, made by the historical jewelry and silverware workshop José Tarongi, active in Zaragoza during the XIX century. The piece, of devotional and ornamental character, faithfully reproduces the architectural and decorative elements of the original temple. It presents a meticulous work of embossing and chiseling, with details that show a very high technical level: Solomonic columns, domes, arches and pediments, as well as the central image of the Virgin of Pilar in its niche, executed with delicacy and solemnity. It stands on an elaborate ebony wood pedestal, hand-carved, which enriches and gives prestige to the whole.

The jewelry and silverware shop José Tarongi was one of the most prestigious workshops in Zaragoza in the 19th century, specialized in religious goldsmithing. Renowned for its technical and artistic refinement, Tarongi contributed to enrich Aragon's sacred heritage with works of great quality, many of them linked to Marian iconography and, especially, to the Pilarist cult. Although the workshop ceased its activity decades ago, its legacy endures through pieces like this one, testimony of the artisan splendor of its time.

This chapel is not only an exceptional example of nineteenth-century devotional silverware, but also a material document of the Marian fervor and goldsmith tradition of 19th century Zaragoza.