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Wine Cooler
Marked by: Paul Storr (English, 1771–1844)
Retailed by: Rundell, Bridge & Rundell (English, 1797–1843)
Probably modeled by: William Theed (English, 1764–1817)
Retailed by: Rundell, Bridge & Rundell (English, 1797–1843)
Probably modeled by: William Theed (English, 1764–1817)
English (London)
1808 or 1809
Object Place: Europe, London, England
Medium/Technique
Gilded silver
Dimensions
Overall: 28.2 x 26.3 cm, 11.5 lb. (11 1/8 x 10 3/8 in., 5.2 kg)
Other (Overall): 26.3cm (10 3/8in.)
Other (minimum): 12.6cm (4 15/16in.)
Other (minimum): 12.7cm (5in.)
Other (Overall): 26.3cm (10 3/8in.)
Other (minimum): 12.6cm (4 15/16in.)
Other (minimum): 12.7cm (5in.)
Credit Line
Theodora Wilbour Fund in memory of Charlotte Beebe Wilbour
Accession Number54.1798
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSilver
Both the form and the decoration of this cooler are based on precedents from antiquity; the vase is in the form of a Greek krater, and the Bacchic triumphal procession reflects a second-century Roman relief. The cooler was probably modeled after a design by William Theed, based on published engravings of antique vases. The retail firm of Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, suppliers to the prince regent, produced a number of variations of the model; this is the earliest known.
DescriptionThe wine cooler (one of a pair, with 54.1799) is campana-shaped and rests on a fluted trumpet foot with a calyx. The lower section of the vessel, which is cast in four sections, is covered with a pattern of acanthus leaves and grapevines. Cast fluted handles, resting on two satyr's heads, are joined to the lower section of the body. The main section of the vessel, formed of seamed sheet, is chased with the Triumph of Bacchus against a matted ground. On the face, Ariadne, supported by Bacchus, is shown in a chariot drawn by lions and flanked by winged trumpeters. On the other fave, Bacchus, accompanied by Ariadne, reclines in a triumphal car drawn by hoses. Above one handle is a figure of a satyr in human guise, dressed in a goat skin and bearing a jug of wine and above the other is Silenus, carried by two satyrs. A band of cast and fabricated grapevines is applied to the upper edge above the figures. The flared rim has a cast applied border of egg and dart. The interior rim is finished with a removable raised flaring collar, with an applied guilloche border.
Marks
On side of foot, maker's mark PS (Grimwade 2235) (repeated on collar and liner); lion passant (repeated on collar); leopard's head crowned (repeated on liner); date letter N (repeated on collar and liner) sovereign's head (repeated on liner)
InscriptionsStamped on base: "RUNDELL BRIDGE ET RUNDELL AURIFICES REGIS ET PRINCIPIS WALLIAE LONDINI FECERUNT"; scratched inside both bases, 3004 / p849 pair / L 101. scratched on both collars, " 611 612 } 4 oz 670 L (sterling pound) h00". on .1798, "168=2" "167-7" stamped on bottom of body, 3; stamped on liner and collar, 2. , stamped on bottom of cup, liner, and collar, 1.
Provenance1954, sold by Garrard and Co., London, to the MFA. (Accession Date: December 9, 1954)