English: Figure of St Augustine

Silver, parcel-gilt
Spain
Mid-16th century

This lovely silver statuette is thought to have been part of the custodia of Cuenca Cathedral in Spain. This custodia, used to display a monstrance (a vessel containing a consecrated wafer of bread) was one of the great works of Spanish silversmithing. It was commissioned from the goldsmith Francisco Becerril in 1528 and took almost 50 years to complete. When it was finally finished, the most famous silversmiths of the district of Castilla were called to Cuenca to appraise it. On 3 July, 1808, French soldiers looted the cathedral during the Peninsular war (1808-1815) and destroyed the custodia.

Custodias could include many small figures. One made for Toledo Cathedral by the goldsmith Enrique d'Arfe around the same period had 260 statuettes. This small statue of a bishop, perhaps St Augustine, and four other figures are the only parts which are believed to have survived, perhaps taken as souvenirs or trophies.

Custodias were an important part of civil and religious life in Spain. An expensive and monumental custodia could be carried through the town during the great religious processions of Corpus Christi and also acted as a symbol of wealth and civic success.