Artist/Maker Hugh Wishart (ca. 1766-1840)

Sauce tureen

ca. 1800

Place madeNew York, New York, United States, North America

Silver

Overall: 5 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 4 1/8 in. ( 14 x 23.5 x 10.5 cm )

Bequest of Waldron Phoenix Belknap Jr.

1950.253ef

This tureen is part of a set of three rare in American silver. Most surviving examples in the "true" or "correct" style, as it was known during the period, mimic ancient vase forms, or are elliptical or boat-shaped. In its restrained design, with spare beaded ornament, this set is similar to the oblong, English Neoclassical examples made during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. According to the donor, these unusual tureens were manufactured in New York "to complement the Dinner Service . . . made for Mr. Lenox in London." Indeed, the tureens are clearly compatible with Lenox's imported platters, plates, and covered dishes (1950.254-5). Following English tradition, each tureen was engraved with the Lenox family crest.

DescriptionWrought silver tureen with a cover; rectangular body (f), with an inverted pear-shaped rectangular lower half, which is highlighted by an applied, beaded band; applied, beaded band around the rim; body seated on a high, rectangular, stepped foot with a beaded band applied around the footring; two, cast squared handles covered with acanthus leaves, applied to the sides; rectangular, stepped and domed cover (e) with a band of beading mid-way and surmounted by a domed rectangular finial with beading around its center; cover and the front center of the body engraved with the Lenox family crest, a crowned lion passant guardant; maker's mark on the base; pseudo English hallmarks stamped below the rim on the right side.

Markingsengraved: on cover and center front: Lenox family crest, a crowned lion passant guardant stamped: on the base: "H * WISHART" in roman letters in a rectangle stamped: on left side below rim: pseudo English hallmarks, a bust in an oval, a lion passant in a rectngle and a roman "C" in an oval

ClassificationsSILVER