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Epergne
English (London)
about 1760
Object Place: Europe, London, England
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
50.1 x 95.5 x 50 cm (19 3/4 x 37 5/8 x 19 11/16 in.)
Weight: 14,968 gm (624 oz 5 dwt)
Weight: 14,968 gm (624 oz 5 dwt)
Credit Line
Theodora Wilbour Fund in memory of Charlotte Beebe Wilbour
Accession Number65.915a-b
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSilver
This massive epergne, or table centerpiece, was made for Charles, fifth duke of Bolton, whose coat of arms is incorporated into the scrolling border of the base. His full armorial included two deer supporting the coat of arms, which may be the reason the deer are included here. The extreme naturalism of fruit, foliage, and animal figures reflects the influence of French rococo design.
DescriptionThe oval plinth has an edge composed of scrolls and leaves, boldly modeled and cast in sections. Four scrolled foliage feet are integrated into the border and the half-figure of a goat emerges at each end. Naturalistically rendered fruits and nuts, cast in pieces and meticilously chased, are attached to the plinth with nuts and bolts. Projecting above each goat's head is an oak branch bearing acorns and leaves, which forks into three branches each terminating in a dish composed of overlapping leaves. In the center of the plinth two deer stand on the cast form of a forest floor with an oak trunk between them. The figures are cast in sections, assembled, and finely chased and engraved. Supported by the oak trunk and the backs of the two deer is an oval bombé basket with pierced diaperwork and a cast scroll and foliate rim. The domed cover is chased with foliage, surmounted by a cast apple and pear.
Marks
On base under figural group, maker's mark IP over EW (Grimwade 1602)
InscriptionsARMORIALS: cast in cartouches on each side of the base, beneath a duke's coronet, the arms of Powlett; engraved engraved on cover of bowl, beneath a duke's coronet, the crest of Powlett, for Charles, fifth Duke of Bolton, (about 1718-1765); engraved on a banner surrounding the crest, the motto of the Order of Bath, "TRIA JUNTA IN UNUM"
ProvenanceAbout 1760, Charles, 5th Duke of Bolton (b. about 1718 - d. 1765), Hackwood Park (near Basingstoke) and London; until 1965, by descent within the family; July 14, 1965, Lord Bolton and others sale, Christie's, London, lot 145, to S.J. Phillips, Ltd., London; 1965, sold by Phillips to the MFA. (Accession Date: September 22, 1965)