Tazza c.1798-1809
Silver gilt | 23.4 x 17.8 x 17.8 cm (whole object) | RCIN 48457
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Silver gilt tazza with a circular bowl with gadrooned lip above applied band of neoclassical motifs, European crowns and 'S' monograms on matt ground. Spreading circular foot with a gadrooned knop. Cylindrical plinth applied with putti, square base.
Marks: Paris,1798-1809 and maker's mark of Henri Auguste.
A drawing by Odiot of a similar tazza for a service created for Hortense Beauharnais is in the Musee des arts decoratifs, Paris.Provenance
Henri Auguste was the on 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
Measurements
23.4 x 17.8 x 17.8 cm (whole object)
1024.6 g (Weight) (whole object)
Place of Production
Paris [Île-de-France]
