Table fountain and stand

Dateca. 1815

MediumFused silverplate and glass.

DimensionsOH (fountain): 31 1/2"; OH(with plateau): 33 1/2"; Diam.(base): 15 7/8"; Diam.(plateau): 19 1/2"; OH(plateau): 3 1/2"; Diam.(revolving base): 8 1/2"

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver F. Ramsey

Object number1965-235,A&B

DescriptionA: Large Upright Part of the Fountain; B: Rotating Base; C: Original Glass Bowl; D: Replacement Glass Bowl.

Table Fountain: six-lobed ball finial supported on a short-waisted turning centered on circular cover with bezel fitting domed top; molded edge around opening with band of depending gadroons extending down below shoulder of dome with lower section of dome plain; dome resting on an ovolo and cavetto molded band above an embossed shell-and-flower frieze. Domed top supported on seven attenuated Corinthian columns, molded at the base and resting on circular pedestals; columns enclose glass bowl with globular body and flared lip, containing a cast cherub sitting astride a dolphin blowing a conch shell held by raised hands on a leaf-ornamented shaft; columns and bowl stand on a three-tier platform base resting on four ball feet with molded mid-bands and decorative perforations in the upper halves. Circular mirror plateau with everted rim which pivots on circular base of a lesser diameter; bottom of plateau and base inset with wood. Interior and base of fountain are tinned. The fountain is filled through the opening created by the removal of the cover at the center top of the dome. The fluid is strained by a removable strainer countersunk in the opening. The hollow dome forms the storage area, from which a small pipe leads down one of the columns and up through the shaft and figure group with the fluid driven by pressure issuing from the conch shell. The rate of flow can be regulated by turning the fitting housed in the pedestal of column through which the fluid passes. The surface of the platform base is inclined towards the center, where there is a circular perforated depression under the bowl for the drainage into the hollow base of any excess fluid which would flow over the rim of the bowl. A turn valve and opening on the underside of the base permit the drainage of the excess fluid. The shafts and pedestals of two adjacent columns are detachable to allow the removal of the bowl.
Label TextThis imposing table fountain is possibly a unique plated example. It derives from the long-standing use, especially on the Continent, of temples and other structures, in a variety of materials as impermanent as sugar and cardboard, as decorative centerpieces on banquet tables. They were often the focal point for an elaborate decorative scheme reflecting contemporary garden design. Parson Woodforde described in his diary in 1783 the table of the bishop of Norwich dressed in this manner: "A most beautiful Artificial Garden in the Centre of the Table remained at dinner and afterwards, it was one of the prettiest things I ever saw, about a Yard long, and about 18 Inches wide, in the middle of which was a high round Temple supported on round Pillars, the Pillars were wreathed round with artificial Flowers--on one side was a Shepherdess on the other a Shepherd, several handsome Urns decorated with artificial Flowers, etc. etc."

Examples of temple centerpieces in silver are uncommon. One by William Pitts and Joseph Preedy of London, which was presented to the Mercers' Company in 1794 and is engraved with that company's crest, is elevated on legs and is accompanied by a mirrored plateau and four glass-lined dishes. A similar one of 1799/1800 by the same firm, with only two dishes and without a plateau, houses a central figure of Apollo. Some earlier rococo epergnes echo this theme in their fanciful use of varied canopied forms on attenuated columns, sometimes wrapped with flowers.

This fountain is filled through an opening with an inset strainer in the top of the dome. The interior of the dome forms the reservoir, and a small pipe extends down through one of the columns and up through the figure group within the bowl. A valve at the base of the column regulates the liquid jet issuing from the cherub's conch shell. The upper surface of the base slopes towards the center, where a perforated depression can accommodate any overflow. The underside of the base is fitted with a drainage valve. Two adjacent columns are detachable to permit removal of the bowl. The whole is supported on a mirror stand that revolves on a much smaller circular foot.
InscribedNone
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceW. H. W. Tringham (sold at Sotheby &Co., London, 1959; purchased by N. Bloom & Son Ltd., London)
James Robinson Inc., New York
C. J. Vander Ltd., London (purchased from Sotheby & Co., London,
1964)
Ex Coll: Mr. and Mrs. Oliver F. Ramsey, Arlington, Virginia