Vinaigrette
The exterior is engraved to resemble a sturdy material with illusionistic bands at the edges. The reserve on the lid, which could have been engraved with a name or initials, has been left blank. The hinged gilded grille is pierced with a floral and trellis motif.
The interior retains the sponge which would have been dipped in aromatic vinegar.
A vinaigrette was intended to hold a tiny sponge dipped in aromatic vinegar. Its interior Is gilded to protect the silver from oxidation caused by the acidity of the vinegar. A hinged and decoratively pierced inner lid or grille kept the sponge in place while its perforations allowed the odor to waft through. A whiff of the vinegar might revive someone from a fainting spell. Such vinaigrettes were worn around the neck, on a chatelaine suspended from the waist, or carried in a pocket.
Artwork Details
- Title: Vinaigrette
- Maker: William Lea & Co. (British, registered mark in 1811)
- Date: 1816
- Culture: British, Birmingham
- Medium: Silver gilt
- Dimensions: Length: 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork-Silver
- Credit Line: Gift of Herbert K. Reis, in memory of Rose-Frances K. Reis (Mrs. Ralph A. Reis), 1983
- Object Number: 1983.575.17
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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