Silver and lapis lazuli table sourtout

composed of an oval shape lapis lazuli element resting on six silver ferini legs with a silver centerpiece depicting the fountain of the Triton of Piazza Barberini on a shaped base in lapis lazuli on the top. The Fontana del Tritone located in Piazza Barberini, Rome, was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII and built by Gianlorenzo Bernini in 1642-43. Entirely carved in travertine it is composed of a mixtilinear tank above which are placed four dolphins with an open mouth with intertwined tails and the heraldic coat of arms of the Barberini with the three bees, surmounted by a large open shell, centered by the marine god Triton, depicted in the act of blowing in a large cone-shaped shell. The triton intends to announce the world the splendor of the Pope or, according to other interpretations, symbolizes the immortality achieved through the study of the humanistic disciplines, with reference to the remarkable literary skills of Urban VIII., 32x98x42 cm.