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Silver Ewer |
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by Paul de Lamerie, London 1742 (SG 38) |
| The extravagance of the rococo style is epitomized in this ornate silver ewer made in London for the sixth earl of Mountrath. Its decoration includes flowers, scrolls, clouds, shells, waves, Neptune, and a female demi-figure as a handle. The tour de force was produced by Paul de Lamerie (1688-1751), who came to London as an infant with his parents, Huguenots fleeing religious persecution. Apprenticed at age 15 , De Lamerie evolved into the most influential and creative proponent of the rococo style, and was the most sought-after English goldsmith of the eighteenth century. |
© Gilbert Collection, 2000