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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Donna Martina

Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory

Modeler:: Franz Anton Bustelli (Swiss, Locarno ca. 1720–1763 Munich)
Date:: ca. 1760
Culture:: German (Neudeck-Nymphenburg)
Medium:: Hard-paste porcelain
Dimensions:: H. 7-1/2 in. (19.1 cm.)
Classification:: Ceramics
Credit Line:: The Lesley and Emma Sheafer Collection, Bequest of Emma A. Sheafer, 1973
Accession Number:: 1974.356.521

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 533

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The Usefulness of Magnificence: Silver and the English Court

Donna Martina

Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory

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The Usefulness of Magnificence: Silver and the English Court

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Donna Martina

Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory

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