Girandole
This girandole is one of a set of three with 1983.97.2 and 1983.97.3. It bears Shaw's 174 Washington Street, Boston, label, which suggests that it was made after 1852, when Shaw moved to that address. These candlesticks depict the Bigelow Chapel at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts, six miles from Boston. Mount Auburn, which opened in 1831, was America's first planned, landscaped cemetery. The castle motif is imaginary. Shaw was apparently the only maker to use architectural motifs in this way. The prism rings on all three girandoles are typical of Boston production. The detail of the candle cups was used in New York and Philadelphia as often as in Boston.
Artwork Details
- Title: Girandole
- Maker: William F. Shaw (active 1845–1900)
- Date: after 1852
- Geography: Made in Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: Gilt brass, marble, glass
- Dimensions: H. 14 in. (35.6 cm)
- Credit Line: Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. H. O. H. Frelinghuysen Gift and Friends of the American Wing Fund, 1983
- Object Number: 1983.97.1
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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William F. Shaw (active 1845–1900)
after 1852
William F. Shaw (active 1845–1900)
after 1852
Probably designed by Henry N. Hooper and Company (ca. 1831–68)
ca. 1850
Simon Willard (1753–1848)
1825–30
Attributed to Thomas Seymour (1771–1848)
1805–10
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