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Perfume burner (one of a pair)

probably ca. 1770
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 512
Called "sphinx" vases, the sphinx supports were probably based on a design by Sir William Chambers (1723–1796), architect to George III, who supplied Boulton with several models for gilt bronze in 1770.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Perfume burner (one of a pair)
  • Maker: Matthew Boulton (British, Birmingham 1728–1809 Birmingham)
  • Maker: and James Fothergill (died 1782)
  • Date: probably ca. 1770
  • Culture: British, Soho near Birmingham
  • Medium: Derbyshire spar, tortoiseshell, and wood; Carrara marble base, gilded brass mounts, gilded copper liner
  • Dimensions: wt. confirmed: 13 × 5 5/8 × 5 5/8 in., 11.6 lb. (33 × 14.3 × 14.3 cm, 5.3 kg)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Gilt Bronze
  • Credit Line: Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964
  • Object Number: 64.101.1633
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
More Artwork
Perfume burner (one of a pair), Matthew Boulton  British, Derbyshire spar, tortoiseshell, and wood; Carrara marble base, gilded brass mounts, gilded copper liner, British, Soho near Birmingham
Matthew Boulton
and James Fothergill
probably ca. 1770
Minerva clock, Matthew Boulton  British, Gilt bronze, marble, enamel, brass, steel, British
Multiple artists/makers
ca. 1772, with later alterations
Gamba Bow, Wood, British
British
first half 18th century
Medal cabinet, William Vile  British, Mahogany with carved and applied decoration, British
Attributed to William Vile
Attributed to John Cobb
1760–61
Smallsword Hilt, Matthew Boulton  British, Steel, Wedgwood jasperware, British, possibly Birmingham
Hilt Maker Matthew Boulton
Hilt Maker Josiah Wedgwood
ca. 1790

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