Images(3)

Caster, one of a set of three

Date1739-1740

Artist/Maker Peter Archambo I (fl. 1721 - 1759)

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsLargest OH 9 11/16" H (rim) 6 5/16"; Diam 2 5/32" Others; OH 7 23/321" H (rim) 4 15/16 Diam 1 11/16

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1963-38,1

DescriptionCasters pyriform body in two parts; cast grape cluster and leaf finial (large caster) and leaf cluster finial (smaller pair) on tall domed detachable cast cover with shaped elliptical openwork panels of grapes and leaves separated by shaped panels of matting divided by rosette in center and shell below; rim of cover decorated with band of alternating plain and rosetted ovals; bezel of cover fits within rim of body; multiple moldings at rim of cast body with tall fluted concave neck with bold band of alternating plain and rosetted ovals on a matted ground above bulbous double-bellied lower section with raised running garland of flowers interrupted with a strapwork and large shells on a matted ground; spool-shaped section to broad circular stepped base with band of alternating plain and rosetted ovals on a matted ground at shoulder above a band of wide-spaced concave flutes on matted ground.
Label TextPeter Archambo, Sr., the noted Huguenot maker, fashioned this magnificent set of large and unusual casters in the early rococo taste. Like much high styled Parisian work of that period, they exhibit a stately elegance in which their elaborate decorative enrichment is firmly controlled by a strong formal emphasis. Restrained chased and matted panels separate the openwork cover sections of flowing grapevines. Moldings of bold, repetitive design are evenly distributed: at the rim of the cover, at the contraflexure of the body, and at the foot. The drawn molding at the rim of the body is forcefully repeated below the mid-band. The fluted and slotted lattice banding chased on the neck both separates and unites the cast elements of the cover and lower part of the body.

The combining of various techniques with the intent of creating dramatic effects of relief and recession and an interplay of contrasting textures gives these casters an unusually rich sculptural quality. The extensive use of cast elements permitted Archambo to avoid the conventional piercing of the covers and the conventional rimming and joining of plain wrought covers and body sections with simple moldings. The covers, exclusive of their cast finials and wrought bezels, are cast in four parts, each incorporating an openwork section with the seams extending vertically through the centers of the intervening panels. The alternating oval and rosette moldings at the rims, overlapped by extensions of the panels between the openwork sections, are part of these castings, with the edges of the latter chased with undercuts to simulate overlays. The alternating oval and rosette mid-bands, the applied shells and floral swags of the bodies, and the feet are also cast. Additional leaves and stems are applied as overlays on the initial castings of the covers, as well as additional leaves and flowers on the applied swags of the bodies. The cast openwork rim of Archambo's salver of 1744/45 is built up with overlays in the same manner (CWF accession 1945-16).

These casters represent an early use of the double bellied or inverted pear-shaped body, which was adopted during the rococo period for a number of hollowware forms other than casters, especially those associated with tea and coffee. These casters are related in both form and decoration to a set of 1740/41 by Paul de Lamerie of London in the Untermyer collection.

InscribedOwner's crest engraved on each body.
MarkingsMaker's mark "P.A." in script letters within a cartouche, leopard's head crowned, lion passant, and date letter on underside of each base. Maker's mark and lion passant on bezel of each
ProvenanceGarrard & Co. Ltd., London
Acquired by CWF in 1963

Exhibition(s)