Casket
John Harris
(English, active about 1818–1827)
1820–21
Medium/TechniqueGilded silver
DimensionsH. 15 cm x W. 32.2 cm D. 25.3 cm (5 7/8 x 12 11/16 x 9 15/16 in.)
Weight: 5,769.3 gm (185 oz 10 dwt)
Weight: 5,769.3 gm (185 oz 10 dwt)
Credit LineTheodora Wilbour Fund in memory of Charlotte Beebe Wilbour and Frank Brewer Bemis Fund
Accession number1994.89
On View
On viewClassificationsSilver
Collections
This elaborate casket, a tour-de-force of goldsmithing techniques, was probably designed and commissioned by English collector and connoisseur William Beckford as a gift for his Portuguese companion, Gregorio Franchi. The two collaborated on the design of many original works of art, using a variety of historical sources. The exterior panels show the influence of Islamic geometric ornament, while the panels on the inner lid are based on interlaced knot motifs.
InscriptionsIncorporated into each of the twelve panels of interior cover: "Le tems peut nous detruire mais non pas nous detacher" surrounding initials in cipher, possibly FDMProvenanceMade for Chevalier Gregorio Franchi (b. 1770 - d. 1828); May 16, 1827, sold by Gregorio Franchi at Christie's, London, lot 99. By 1989, private collection; April 6, 1989, sold from this private collection at Sotheby's, New York, lot 177. Spink & Son, London. Asprey & Co., London. Titus Kendall, London; May 25, 1994 sold by Titus Kendall to the MFA. (Accession Date: May 25, 1994)
