Masterpieces of Guatemalan Silver & Gold. Sixteenth to Nineteenth Century. Don Antonio de Cavero y Lataillade Collection
Catalogue raisonné: Dra. Cristina Esteras Martín
Historical survey: Javier & José Eguiguren Molina
Eguiguren Arte de Hispanoamérica, 2016
Printed by Akian Gráfica Editora, Buenos Aires
English edition with Spanish addenda
152 pp.
The evolution of Guatemalan silver production included several unique characteristics that were not found in other major silver centres of the Americas; it was, most importantly, the degree of sophistication in design that was achieved in many examples, many of which can be considered unparalleled masterpieces. While there are examples of unique and extraordinary silver, many of the gold- and silversmiths reinterpreted Hispanic models with ease and creativity, as well as creating pieces modelled on mainly English and French examples in the eighteenth century, in response to the local tastes and demands. The reinterpretation of European themes and models was the main reason why religious and secular silver pieces from Guatemala were exported to Europe and even to some large centres of Latin America, such as Mexico.