plate to be pinned
before publish
before publish
The Saliera
Benvenuto Cellini, 1543
reproductionpre1931-platerights: pending
The salt cellar that is not a salt cellar — Neptune and Earth reclining in gold and enamel, the table’s most famous excess.
Why it matters
The only fully documented gold sculpture by Cellini’s own hand; the goldsmith’s art at its absolute ceiling.
Notice
The figures lean apart but their legs interlace — sea and land, politely entangled.
Meaning
Salt was once worth this. Craft still is.
Source
Eugène Plon, Benvenuto Cellini, orfèvre, médailleur, sculpteur, Paris: E. Plon et Cie, 1883 — Planches II & IX view source ↗
Material
gold, enamel
Rights: PENDING. A named source is not the same as registry clearance. Basis on file: PD-pre1931. Shown for this preview only; not offered for sale.
The Goldsmiths