Plateau

1831–32

Not on view

This distinctive plateau is a smaller version of a renowned plateau made for presentation to Sir Arthur Wellesley, duke of Wellington (1769–1852), the victor of the war against the Napoleonic armies that invaded Portugal and Spain (the Peninsular War, 1808–14). The piece was made on the order of the regent of Portugal John VI. The original Portuguese work is in Apsley House, the duke's London mansion. The pictorial composition shows the duke with some of his generals in high relief, against a background of flags and cannon smoke. The plateau is an early example of commemorative works referring to specific people or events that would become a conspicuous theme in nineteenth-century silver production.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Plateau
Maker: Richard Sibley I (British, active 1793–1836)
Date: 1831–32
Culture: British, after British, London original
Medium: Parcel-gilt silver
Dimensions: 22 x 17 1/2 in. (55.9 x 44.5 cm.)
Classification: Metalwork-Electrotype
Credit Line: Gift of Philip Schuyler, 1897
Object Number: 97.42
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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Decanter, Christopher Dresser British, Scottish, Silver plate, glass, British, Birmingham — Decanter
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