Images(10)

Soup tureen

Date1737-1738

Marked by George Wickes (1698-1761)

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsH: 11" ; L: 18" ; W: 10 1/2

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1972-245

DescriptionThe tureen's full-volumed body has cast and applied alternate fruit and floral swags on the cover, banded reeding at the neck of the body, and legs with lion mask attachments and ball-and-claw feet, as well as other large sculptural elements.
A cast appliqué of the arms of Thomas Watson (1693-1750), then Earl of Malton, is on opposite sides of the body. Watson was created a Knight of Bath in 1725, and the collar of that order surrounds the shield of arms. His crest of a griffin passant, surmounts the cover, and griffins of variant form serve as handles.
Label TextGeorge Wickes fashioned this magnificent tureen, originally one of a pair, along with a considerable quantity of other plate, for Thomas Watson (1693-1750), then earl of Malton, created 1st marquess of Rockingham in 1746. It is appropriately in the formal Palladian taste, for Watson's intention may have been to acquire furnishings of congenial character for the new east block of his Yorkshire country seat, Wentworth House. Not surprisingly, he had chosen Henry Flitcroft, architect of the Whig establishment, to design this immense addition of 606 feet in length, its center section based on Colin Campbell's Wanstead.

In addition to the usual trappings of this ponderous style--the alternate floral and fruit swags of the cover, the banded reeding at the neck of the body, and the legs with lion mask attachments and ball-and-claw feet--other large sculptural elements of heraldic significance not only proclaim Watson's rank and importance but also lend great visual presence and excitement to the piece. A cast appliqué of his arms with an earl's coronet, supporters, and motto is repeated on either side of the body. Created a Knight of the Bath in 1725, the collar of that order surrounds the shield of arms. His crest of a griffin passant surmounts the cover and, in variant form, serves as the handles for the body. In their vertical movement and outward-facing stance, the latter resemble handles of animal and human forms on wine coolers and ewers of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries.

This tureen and its mate are recorded in George Wickes's private client accounts, presently in the possession of Garrard & Co. Ltd., London, for July 14, 1738, as "To 2 Fine Tarreens 345.15 [weight] 10/6 [cost per ounce] 181 10 [total cost]." The high cost of fashioning per ounce is probably attributable to the large amount of individual pattern work for the cast elements, all of which are extremely well modeled and finely finished. The pair of tureens remained in related families at Wentworth House until they were sold at auction in 1948. Their second owner, Charles Watson-Wentworth (1730-1782), 2nd marquess of Rockingham, served twice as prime minister of England. He is remembered, in part, for his role in the repeal of the Stamp Act in 1766 and his later favoring of American independence in opposition to Lord North's American policies.

InscribedEngraved on the underside "N 2/171=)".
MarkingsFully marked both on underside of body and on bezel of cover: 1) maker's mark "G•W" with crown above all within a conforming reserve; 2) lion passant; 3) leopard's head crowned; and 4) date letter (lower-case b in relief) for 1737/38.

ProvenanceThomas Watson (1693-1750), 1st marquess of Rockingham
Charles Watson-Wentworth (1730-1782), 2nd marquess of Rockingham William Fitzwilliam (1748-1833), 4th Earl Fitzwilliam, and subsequent
Earls Fitzwilliam (sold after the death of William Henry Lawrence Peter Fitzwilliam (1910-1948), 8th Earl Fitzwilliam, at Christie, Manson & Woods, London, 1948; purchased by Rayman)
Louis Wine Ltd., Dublin (1965)
Acquired by CWF in 1972.

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