Tea urn 1798 - 1809
Silver gilt, ebony | 41.7 x 24.5 x 26.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 48340
-
A silver gilt neoclassical tea-urn with a slightly domed cover with a lotus finial, and vase shaped body; the two handles spring from outspread wings and terminate in swans’ heads with a gadrooned rim above a band of lotus buds and berries. Upper border of griffins and Minerva masks on matted ground. Lion-headed tap with ebonised wooden spigot (detached) springing from a circular motif of wings. Base consists of a short stem comprising band of palmettes and flower heads above a band of pierced matt palmettes and stiff leaves, gadrooned rim to the foot.
Engraved on the front with a crowned SN monogram
Marks: Paris, 1798-1809 and maker's mark for Henri Auguste.Provenance
Henri Auguste was the son of the royal goldsmith Robert-Joseph Auguste (1723–1805), whose workshop he assumed in 1784–85. He continued to receive official patronage from Louis XVI and later from Napoleon. For the latter's coronation as Emperor he received a commission from the City of Paris for a silver service comprising 425 pieces, most of which were melted down after the restoration under Charles X.
Stephanie de Beauharnais was the cousin of Napoleon's first wife Josephine, and was adopted by Bonaparte in 1796. On her marriage to Karl, Grand Duke of Baden on 7 April 1806, the Emperor presented her with a toilet service and other works of silver gilt, each decorated with the initials SN for Stephanie Napoleon. These passed by descent to her daughter Princess Marie Amelie, Duchess of Hamilton.
Purchased by Queen Mary at the Hamilton sale at Christie's in 1934 -
Creator(s)
(goldsmith)(goldsmith)(nationality)Acquirer(s)
-
Medium and techniques
Silver gilt, ebony
Measurements
41.7 x 24.5 x 26.0 cm (whole object)
2812.2 g (Weight) (whole object)
Category
Place of Production
Paris [Île-de-France]
