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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Pair of vases

Frederick Sonne

Decorator:: V. Wendrich
Artist:: After marble reliefs by Bertel Thorvaldsen (Danish, Copenhagen 1770–1844 Copenhagen)
Date:: 19th century
Culture:: Danish (Copenhagen)
Medium:: Terracotta
Dimensions:: .1) H. 8 1/4 in. (21.0 cm) .2) H. 8 5/16 in. (21.1 cm)
Classification:: Ceramics
Credit Line:: Gift of Mrs. B.V. Smith, 1969
Accession Number:: 69.216.1, .2

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Frederick Sonne

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The Usefulness of Magnificence: Silver and the English Court

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Pair of vases

Frederick Sonne

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