The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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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Steeple cup

A. B., London (ca. 1608–1609)

Date:: 1608/9
Culture:: British, London
Medium:: Silver gilt
Dimensions:: H. 10 7/8 in. (27.6 cm)
Classification:: Metalwork
Credit Line:: Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1968
Accession Number:: 68.141.227a, b

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 512

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Marking: [1] Leopard's head (London assay office mark); [2] Lion passant (London assay office mark); [3] Gothic L (date letter for 1608–9); [4] AB conjoined (unidentified maker's mark); Location of marks: [1]-[4] on cup near lip and on cover near shoulder of dome, greatly defaced
Provenance

Rex Beaumont (until 1964; Important Early English and Irish Silver sale, Christie's, London, December 2, 1964, no. 29; to S.J. Phillips); [ S. J. Phillips (in 1964; sold to Irwin Untermyer, May 4, 1964) ] ; Irwin Untermyer (1964–68; to MMA)
See also
Who
A. ., London (1)
What
Metal (59,619)

Metalwork (14,693)

Silver (14,061)

Gilt (9,068)

Drinking vessels (6,032)

Cups (3,861)
Where
Europe (150,115)

United Kingdom (25,745)

England (9,106)

London (2,008)
When
A.D. 1600-1800 (66,675)
In the Museum
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts (43,264)
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
Great Britain and Ireland, 1600–1800 A.D.

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The Usefulness of Magnificence: Silver and the English Court

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A. B., London (ca. 1608–1609)

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The Usefulness of Magnificence: Silver and the English Court

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Steeple cup

A. B., London (ca. 1608–1609)

Met Media

Met Kids

Met Store