The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Iris, Messenger of the Gods

Art Object

The Usefulness of Magnificence: Silver and the English Court

Ellenor M. Alcorn, Associate Curator, Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, discusses how in England, as in Europe, a rich display of silver was essential to the expression of power. Discover how English sovereigns from Elizabeth I to George III and their courtiers competed culturally on the international stage, commissioning silver and other luxury goods to establish their stature. Presented in conjunction with the exhibition British Silver: The Wealth of a Nation, on view May 15, 2012–January 20, 2013.

Recorded October 12, 2012

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Iris, Messenger of the Gods

Auguste Rodin (French, Paris 1840–1917 Meudon)

Founder:: Cast by Alexis Rudier
Date:: modeled ca. 1890, this bronze cast in 1965
Culture:: French
Medium:: Bronze, on a black marble base
Dimensions:: H. w/base: 19-1/16 in. (48.4 cm.); H. w/o base: 17-1/2 in. (44.5 cm.); W. 16-3/8 in. (41.6 cm.); D. 9 in. (22.9 cm.)
Classification:: Sculpture
Credit Line:: Gift of Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, 1984
Accession Number:: 1984.364.7

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 800

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The Usefulness of Magnificence: Silver and the English Court

Iris, Messenger of the Gods

Auguste Rodin (French, Paris 1840–1917 Meudon)

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The Usefulness of Magnificence: Silver and the English Court

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Iris, Messenger of the Gods

Auguste Rodin (French, Paris 1840–1917 Meudon)

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