Zichem / Sichem

Baptismal font noted in the Onroerend Erfgoed [https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/42745] [accessed 2 Januarty 2024] made by N. Coopmans in 1538 ["Doopvont van N. Coopmans (1538), gotisch gebeeldhouwd wijwatervat (ingebouwde zuil in het zuidwesten van de beuk)." Baptismal font made of brass listed and illustrated in BALaT KIK-IRPA [https://balat.kikirpa.be/object/26163] [accessed 2 January 2024]: "doopvont [...] slaan[metaal] [...] datering, gegraveerd, op voet: : 1538 [...] Coopmans, Niklaas (koperslager) [...] deksel vernieuwd [...] hoogte: 170 cm" height [includes cover]. Agt (1949) attributes the baptismal fonts in Zichem (1538) and Balen (1549) to brass casters of the city of Mechelen. The font consists of a round, almost hemispherical basin with three cherub heads at 120-degree angles, the underbowl ribbed; on a round baluster-type decorated with mouldings and foliage motifs; the lower base is round-to-triangular, standing on three sejant-gardant lions holding charged shields; the date 1538 is engraved on one of the tips of the triagular base, behind the corresponding lion; there are three scrolled ribs tipped with human heads connecting the middle of the stem to the lower base. The brass font cover is of a later date, a moulded dome with orb-and-cross finial.