| Artist(s) | Unknown Spanish/Flemish craftsmen |
| Medium | Oak |
| Origin | Spain |
| Creation Date |
17th century |
| Size | 7'5" X 5' X 1'1" |
| Donor | Patterson |
| Acquisition Date |
1962 |
| Image Source | GF |
Comments
This oak stall was probably carved for the court of Charles I of Spain, who was also Charles V, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire (1543-1608). At the top, it shows the patron and his wife, who probably had the seat made, carved in a leaf-like setting. Other carvings are probably Greek or Roman gods, as well as a siren and a dolphin, indicating that it may have been a wedding gift to the couple. Another theory is that it may have been carved for the hall of a castle where the sirens and dolphins symbolized sailing ships that crossed the ocean for international trade. Known in Spanish as a “sedilla” or a “caja” (box), it was used as a bench or as a bed, and has a raised lid so that linens could be stored underneath the seat. A parishioner sewed the needlepoint cushion. View a detail of a carving. [source: tour notes]
