Centerpiece
- Culture
- English
- Date
- c.1790
- possibly made in
- Leeds, Leeds unitary authority, England, Europe
- possibly made in
- Staffordshire, England, Europe
- Classification
- Ceramics
- Collection
- Decorative Arts and Design
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 137
- Dimensions
- assembled: 23 3/4 x 15 1/4 x 16 in. (60.3 x 38.7 x 40.6 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Roland E. Jester in memory of Margo Jester
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 77:1985a-k
NOTES
The figure of Plenty holding a cornucopia and standing atop this extravagant assemblage embodies the ideal of copious display that characterized 18th-century dining tables. From her position above an urn-shaped bowl supported by winged figures, Plenty surveys three tiers of pierced baskets and dishes intended to contain pickles, nuts, or sweets, and pairs of cruets and casters for condiments consumed during the savory courses of the meal. The centerpiece probably matched the dishes used on the table, since it is made from cream-colored earthenware, which was both inexpensive and extremely fashionable in the mid- to late 18th century. The architectural motifs and decoration of swags of foliage and flowers signal the reemergence of the classical style as the latest fashion in the late 18th century.
Provenance
- 1985
Roland Jester, St. Louis, MO, USA
1985 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Roland Jester in memory of his wife, Margo [1]
Note:
[1] Minutes of the Acquisitions and Loans Committee of the Board of Trustees, Saint Louis Art Museum, September 12, 1985.
Roland Jester, St. Louis, MO, USA
1985 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Roland Jester in memory of his wife, Margo [1]
Note:
[1] Minutes of the Acquisitions and Loans Committee of the Board of Trustees, Saint Louis Art Museum, September 12, 1985.
We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.