George III Sugar Basket

Maker: John Deacon (English, free 1766, active 1771, bankrupt 1775)

Date: circa 1793

Medium: Silver

Dimensions:

6 3/4 x 6 x 4 in. (17.1 x 15.2 x 10.2 cm)

Credit Line: Gift of Eva R. Everett, 1970

Object number: SN7011

On View: Not on view

About this ObjectThe Neoclassical movement of the mid-18th century influenced decorative arts as well as painting, sculpture, and architecture. This restrained, classical style rejected the heavy ornamentation of the Rococo for simpler, more discrete forms and palettes. Following suit, silver makers preserved the clean lines of an object's profile, introducing flat, mirror-like surfaces often void of heavy ornamentation or incisions. The two George III tureens provide excellent examples of this unadorned style, which relied on the reflection of light off the surface for decoration rather than elaborate embossing or repoussé - two methods of created raised designs on silver. At the same time, a muted version of the Rococo remained popular and coexisted with the Neoclassical style. The two half-pint tankards provide examples of each.

Provenance

with Percy R. Everett; gift to The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, November 1970

More Information

Inscribed:JD, lion passant, S kings head Location: BOTTOM

Culture:English

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