These superb examples of exuberant Baroque craftsmanship were part of a set commissioned by the Lomellini family in Genoa, Italy, perhaps on the occasion of a marriage. The basin is dated 1619, and both pieces are decorated with scenes from Greek and Roman mythology. The technique used to create the scenes is known as repoussé, meaning shaped or ornamented with patterns in relief by hammering or pressing on the reverse.

Purchased in 1974.