Pietà of Přeštice dish (basin)

Western (?) Bohemia, around 1720

Repoussé enchased brass, hallmarked. A relief of the Pietà of Přeštice is surrounded by a bow-tied ribbon bearing the inscription IN BOHEMIA MIRACULIS CLARAE EFIGIES THAVMAT PRZESTICENSIS.

Diameter: 45.5 cm

UMP 6201

The Pietà of Přeštice has been venerated for its unusual healing powers since the late seventeenth century. After the Roman Catholic Church declared it a miracle in 1711, it has been a pilgrimage site and the subject of liturgical celebrations. This dish or basin, the form of which follows the older style of Renaissance baptismal fonts, likely dates to this period.