Photography: CMMafra
In November, the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage (DGPC) added a remarkable piece to its collection by acquiring the “Cafeteira Ludovice” (coffee pot), a silver gem representing 18th-century Portuguese goldsmithing. This acquisition stands out not only for the piece’s intrinsic value but also for its historical connection to João Frederico Ludovice, the German architect and goldsmith who left a lasting impact on artistic culture in Portugal.
The “Cafeteira Ludovice” is a piece of singular beauty and historical significance. Ludovice, renowned for his architectural contributions to the Mafra National Palace, showcases his mastery in the field of goldsmithing through this coffee pot.
a tangible testament to the German goldsmith’s influence in Portugal
The piece itself features an elegant and simple design, with a curved spout and a lid adorned with a silver dove. The handle, ergonomically crafted in wood, adds a sophisticated touch to the piece. The contrast of Lisbon, represented by a crown over a shield with the city’s coat of arms and the master’s mark, JFL, engraved on the base, authenticate the “Cafeteira Ludovice”, serving as a tangible testimony of the German goldsmith’s influence in Portugal.
The acquisition of the “Cafeteira Ludovice” was recently made at auction, with the DGPC investing 35,000 euros in this valuable piece.
Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal)
