Osnabrücker Taufkrug

The town of Osnabrück is not usually associated with fine silverware. Nevertheless, it does have a heritage: in the 17th century there was one family of artisans that practised the craft of silversmith, producing articles that didn’t look out of place on the dining table of the bishop.

The object on this painting – a Tauf Krug, or Baptism Pitcher – dates from that period, and is likely from hand of one of the members of this family.

“Osnabrücker Taufkrug”
Oil on canvas, 2010 – 50 cm x 40cm

Although I was eager to use this rare object in a painting, I didn’t immediately have a composition in mind. Only the main accent colour, when my sister presented me with some hyacinths.

Just then I happened to watch an interview with the Dutch Priest Antoine Bodar, who, before he was ordained as priest and moved to Rome, had studied Art History at the University of Leiden.

A man who is both an Ecclesiastic and an Art Historian must be able to offer some guidance. And indeed, the Professor Priest kindly answered my email, suggesting to base the grouping on a white cloth, as white is related to the sacrament of baptism.

At an Art & Framing Trade Fair I noticed a black and silver frame hanging in the exhibition booth of Delf Cadres in Paris, which turned out a very good match for the painting.