Ewer 1798 - 1809
Silver gilt, ebony | 32.8 x 16.0 x 11.7 cm (whole object) | RCIN 48456
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Silver gilt ewer with broad spout, double scroll ebony handle springing from a female head and terminating in two serpentine scrolls. Beaded borders, cast band of embracing terms, acanthus scrolls, putti and berried laurel whorls. Disc-shaped knop and circular foot with a matt stylised leaf border. Engraved with a crowned 'SN'.
Marks: Paris 1798-1809 and maker's mark of Henri Auguste. Struck on base with mark of the Association of Gold and Silversmiths.
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)(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Silver gilt, ebony
Measurements
32.8 x 16.0 x 11.7 cm (whole object)
1101.7 g (Weight) (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)
Place of Production
Paris [Île-de-France]