Epergne
John Parker
(free 1762)
Edward Wakelin
(free 1748, died in 1784)
about 1760
Object PlaceLondon, England
Medium/TechniqueSilver
Dimensions50.1 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 LineTheodora Wilbour Fund in memory of Charlotte Beebe Wilbour
Accession number65.915a-b
On View
On viewClassificationsSilver
Collections
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.
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)
