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Candelabrum Centerpiece

(English, died in 1822)
(English, 1797–1843)
(English, 1772–1842)
1806/1807
Medium/TechniqueSilver gilt
DimensionsHeight x width: 18 1/4 x 23 in. (46.4 x 58.4 cm)
Troy weight: 396 troy ounces
Credit LineMuseum purchase with funds donated anonymously
Accession number2007.349
On View
On view
ClassificationsSilver
Collections
Description
In its form and decoration, this centerpiece superbly illustrates the tenets of Regency design. The design of the centerpiece is securely attributed to the architect and designer Charles Heathcote Tatham, who, with Thomas Hope, was a major exponent of the more severe neoclassical style of the Regency period. Regency designers, architects and craftsmen found inspiration in the whole of Antiquity, from Egypt to the Roman Empire, in the quest for a more archaeological and masculine style than the purely decorative classical taste of the late 18th century. Spectacular centerpieces such as this example served as magnificent focal points of table decoration.
InscriptionsInscribed on underside of bowl: RUNDELL BRIDGE & RUNDELL AURIFICES REGIS FECERUNT. Engraved on inside of bowl with the arms of Kirkcaldy quartering Kinnaird and another, impaling Fitzgerald, for Charles, 8th Baron Kinnaird (1780-1826) and his wife Lady Olivia Letitia Catherine Fitzgerald (d. 1858).
ProvenanceAbout 1806-1807, Charles, 8th Baron Kinnaird (b. 1780 - d. 1826) and his wife, Olivia Letitia Catherine FitzGerald (b. 1787 - d. 1858), London [see note 1]. October 17, 1968 Anonymous sale, Sotheby's London, lot 90, to F. Partridge for £3600. June 12, 2006 Anonymous sale, Sotheby's London, lot 89 for £102,000. 2007, Koopman Rare Art, London; 2007, sold by Koopman to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 27, 2007)

NOTES:
[1] The candelabrum is engraved with arms which have been identified as those of the Baron Kinnaird and his wife, married on May 8, 1806.
Salver
Philip Rundell
1819–20
Group Shot: 65.2298-9
Philip Rundell
1819–20
Tablespoon
Philip Elston
1725–26
Philip Syng Jr.
about 1750
Child's Whistle and Bells
Philip Syng Jr.
about 1750
Spoon
Philip Syng Jr.
about 1739
Basket-form double salt
Antoine-Sebastien Durand
1762–63
Chalice and paten
Denis Patu
1682–83
Mazer
Unmarked
about 1500–25, with later alterations
Basin
Unidentified Maker
1599–1600
Tankard
Jacob Bodendeich
about 1665