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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Vase

Meissen Manufactory (German, 1710–present)

Date:: 1725–30
Culture:: German (Meissen)
Medium:: Hard-paste porcelain
Dimensions:: H. 14-1-8 in. (35.9 cm.); Diam. of mouth 5-5/8 in. (14.3 cm.)
Classification:: Ceramics
Credit Line:: The Lesley and Emma Sheafer Collection, Bequest of Emma A. Sheafer, 1973
Accession Number:: 1974.356.360

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The Usefulness of Magnificence: Silver and the English Court

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Vase

Meissen Manufactory (German, 1710–present)

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